Skokomish Tribe is Suing the State

[bobcat]

I'm wondering if anyone might know more about this. Why are they doing it and what do they stand to gain?

I can't fathom how the state has been interfering with their right to hunt? Could this just be another way for them to get access to all gated state lands?

This is all the information that I have seen:

The Skokomish Tribe has initiated litigation against the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Governor, the Attorney General, and several county prosecutors.  This litigation alleges interference with tribal hunting and gathering rights.

[bigtex]

Could this just be another way for them to get access to all gated state lands?

This is all the information that I have seen:

The Skokomish Tribe has initiated litigation against the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Governor, the Attorney General, and several county prosecutors.  This litigation alleges interference with tribal hunting and gathering rights.

At the hearing for tribal access and enforcement the DNR rep could not comment on much of the bill because of this lawsuit.

[trophyhunt]

I have not heard about this, but I believe it. They will probably get what they want, our government bends over backwards for the tribes and they are scared to death to say NO to them. 

[bigtex]

They will probably get what they want, our government bends over backwards for the tribes and they are scared to death to say NO to them. 

You want to see a state that "gave up" look at Colorado. Just learned about the "Brunot" hunting deal. Basically the Ute Indian tribe in SW Colorado was going to sue Colorado for off-rez rights. Colorado said it would cost too much and made a deal, covering a huge area in SW CO. This year Colorado Parks and Wildlife modified the deal and expanded tribal rights to mountain goats, waterfowl, and fishing.

[bobcat]

I'm hoping there is a tribal member on here who would be willing to share what this is all about.

I'm getting to the point where I'm going to have to side with what many others on this site have been saying- it's time to get the heck out of this state.

[bobcat]

I have not heard about this, but I believe it. They will probably get what they want, our government bends over backwards for the tribes and they are scared to death to say NO to them. 

I agree.

[Gamblin Guy]

Here ya go bobcat....this is an older article but it is still relevant and give you a clue as to where the tribes want to go.....

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20061022/NEWS01/610220769/0/SEARCH

[bobcat]

It says the article is no longer available.   

[cougarbart]

i just read it bobcat! try again!

[Gamblin Guy]

Came up for me on a search, it's from the Everett Herald http://www.heraldnet.com/

Do a search for Tulalip Tribes and greater clout or "habitat claim" and it should come up for you.

Here's a part of the article....

To the treaty tribes - today's Tulalip, Stillaguamish, Lummi, Swinomish and others - the 1855 pact signed by Mukilteo's shore tells everyone what belongs to them forever.

People still debate the treaty's Indian fishing rights and fight over property lines. They argue with tribal police over their authority, and over whether non-Indians can build docks in Tulalip Bay.

The tribes are taking the next step.

Now, they say the 151-year-old treaty guarantees their world patent rights on native trees, flowers, shrubs and even weeds - the DNA of every plant that naturally grows here.

If that's true, the tribes could gain trademark control over all future use of native plants.

Tribal permission would be needed for pharmaceutical companies and other businesses to use the plants to make medicine, cosmetics or even herbal tea.

[Curly]

And some people were wondering why there are those of us that won't patronize a tribal establishment.  It is stuff like this that causes us to not want to set foot in a tribal casino, gas station, or amusement park.

[h2ofowlr]

This lawsuit is a joke.  Someone just needs to tell these guys no!

[Coastal_native]

Inevitable...

[bearpaw]

I heard it's for access into any unclaimed lands! 

[bobcat]

I heard it's for access into any unclaimed lands! 

What kind of access? The kind where they get keys to all the gates and get to drive in? If not that, then what is the point? They already have access just like we all do. Park at the gate and walk.