Reflections on Tribal Fisheries and Co-Management 50 years after the Boldt Decision: Bevan Symposium
The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) annually hosts the “Bevan Seminar on Sustainable Fisheries” funded by gifts from the Bevan family, and contributions from NOAA Fisheries and SAFS. This year, we will hold a one-day symposium on Thursday November 21, 2024, centered on Tribal voices, reflecting on the past 50 years and considering what the future of Washington fisheries will look like over the next 50 years.
Because of space constraints, only invited participants and individuals that pre-registered for the event will be able to attend. Please register here.
What was the Boldt Decision?
In his 1974 decision, Judge Boldt upheld Tribal treaty-reserved rights by:
- Interpreting the treaty language, “The right of taking fish at usual and accustomed grounds and stations is further secured to said Indians in common with all citizens of the Territory…” to mean that the Tribes were entitled to half the harvestable number of salmon returning to or passing through the tribes’ usual and accustomed fishing places.
- Establishing the Tribes as co-managers of the salmon resource with the state.
- Established conservation standards that restricted the ability of the state to regulate treaty Indian fishing.
(Source: Understanding Tribal Treaty Rights in Western Washington, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission).
To learn more, visit the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission webpage on Treaties.
Event Details
- When: Thursday November 21, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Where: Alder Hall Auditorium and Commons
- What: Facilitated panel discussions featuring 15 + members of Washington State Tribes and other experts on Tribal fisheries management
Program
8:30: Registration Check In
9:00: Opening Session
- Opening Prayer: Phil Hamilton, Muckleshoot Tribe
- Welcome to UW and the Bevan Symposium: Tim Essington, Director, SAFS
9:15: Setting the Stage: The Stories – and People – Behind the Boldt Decision
- Opening Remarks: Chairman Jaison Elkins, Muckleshoot Tribe
- Scott Schuyler, Upper Skagit Tribe
- Connie McCloud, Puyallup Tribe
- Roger Fernandes, Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribe
- Boldt Decision 101 – a Legal Primer: Mary Neil. Lummi Nation. Attorney for Muckleshoot Tribe
- Honoring Billy Frank Jr.
10:30 – 10:45: Break
10:45 – 12:15: Panel 1. Challenges, Successes, and Opportunities for Co-Management
Moderator: Cecilia Gobin, Tulalip Tribe, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
- Maia Bellon, Cascadia Law Group
- Phil Hamilton, Muckleshoot Tribe
- Cleve Jackson, Quinault Nation
- Jason Schaffler, Senior Quantitative Scientist for the Muckleshoot Tribe
- Chet Tweed, Quinault Nation
- Althea Wilson, Lummi Nation
- Shawn Yanity, Stillaguamish Tribe
12:15 – 1:15: Lunch
1:15 – 2:45: Panel 2. Sustaining Tribal Fisheries for the Next 50 years
Moderator: Julia Parrish, University of Washington
- Vanessa Castle, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Ridges to Riffles
- Ron Charles, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
- Ed Johnstone, Quinault Nation. Chair, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission;
- Scott Schuyler, Upper Skagit Tribe
- Tandy Wilbur, Swinomish Tribe
2:45 – 3:00 : Break
3:00 – 4:00: Panel 3. Tribal Fisheries’ Cultural Resiliency and Food Sovereignty during a Time of Climate Change
Moderator: Charlotte Coté, Tseshaht / Nuu-chaah-nulth
- Micah McCarty, Makah Tribe
- Connie McCloud, Puyallup Tribe
4:00 – 4:45: Q&A: Dos and Don’ts for Respectful Research Collaboration with Pacific NW Tribes
Moderator: Nicole Doran, University of Washington
- Ashley Nicole Lewis, Quinault Nation
4:45: Closing Session
- Phil Hamilton, Muckleshoot Tribe
- Tim Essington, University of Washington
5:00: Reception in Alder Commons
The Bevan Symposium on Sustainable Fisheries is supported by the generous contributions from the Bevan Family and NOAA Fisheries.