Surecatch hit it on the nose, they enjoy it. Fishing is a spiritual experience for some of them and some of us sporties as well. Did the Makahs get that whale because the needed it? Heck no. Because it was culturaly satisfiing. Just like chistmas is to some of us.
Fishing for a living is hard work. On some rez's its the only work. I might be biased having a Native American wife but we have got plenty of fishing oppurnities as sportsman in this state. An a few tribal salmon trollers have given me info in the past on where to drag my drownrigger balls and it always equals success.
Merry Christmas to all and good fishing to all