Dear Editor,

Makah Whaling Tradition

Let’s see:

1. Check the marine radio weather report.

2. Check your cellphone.

3. Grab your 50-caliber rifle and remember your harpoon for fun.

4. Have your canoe towed with motor boat and lots of escorts for safety.

5. Be sure to have your life jackets and oh yes, don’t forget your wetsuits.

I have great respect for your ancestors, especially the hunter who was brave enough to dive into the ocean and sew the mouth of the whale shut so he could not sink. He might be laughing at you but I believe he is dishonored and sad that you will kill so easily what you don’t need.

So why not be wise like the great Chief Dan George and honor the whales left by offering tourist adventures to see the whales up close?

Each year the monetary value to the Makah will be 10 times greater by sharing your unique ancestral relationship. A suggestion would be to establish an adventure program with your renowned museum.

Walk the path of a true warrior spirit and quit following the white man’s modern machine weakness.

Thanks,

Karl Holmquist

Forks