He hid underground for months, and then spent 20 months serving time in federal prisons across the country — all of that for fishing in the Columbia River. They’ve fished in the river not just to practice their faith, but also to eke out a livelihood. Tribal fishing rights along the Columbia have spurred bitter, drawn-out legal and legislative battles. This is despite an 1855 treaty with the federal government stating that the tribes would cede most of their lands, but retain their fishing rights. He has represented the Yakama Nation on several river-related commissions and committees and still serves on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, which represents the tribes and their rights along the river.

Source: thestar August 16, 2022 06:31 UTC