As per the information available roughly 200 Yakama tribal fishermen who are more than willing to take on rough waters and bad weather to practice their treaty fishing rights. They enjoy this but the risks often bring tragedy. Over the past decade, at least 11 Yakamas have died while commercially fishing on the Columbia.
Sgt. Mitch Hicks with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, informed that tribal fishermen are three times more likely than any other group to die in a boating accident on the Columbia River for a number of reasons. Tribal members are now required to wear life vests, but some don’t. They say the vests inhibit their ability to quickly pull in the nets.
The authorities said that none were wearing life vests. A sovereign government, the Yakama Nation regulates its own fisheries – setting seasons and regulatory laws – and polices its own fishermen. Traditionally, the Yakamas dipped nets from wooden scaffolds anchored to basalt walls and other outcroppings near the river’s edge.
Despite the risks and danger to their lives tribal members remain poised to carry out their treaty rights to fish. It goes much deeper than any economic benefit it may bring. Salmon is at the heart of the tribe’s spiritual beliefs. Oral Yakama teachings describe an ancient agreement between tribal fishermen and the salmon.
