Whaling is a way of life.

Whaling and wales have been essential to the Makah culture for years upon years. The spirituality of whaling brings about a deeper meaning to the tribe. Ancient stories and songs, basketry, and dances have been based on the whale. "For the Makah Tribe, whale hunting imposes a purpose and a discipline which benefits their entire community. It is so important to the Makah, that in 1855 when the Makah ceded thousands of acres of land to the government of the United States, they explicitly reserved their right to whale within the Treaty of Neah Bay." These whales are a source of food, oil, and other goods that serve their purpose for the tribe.

This website gives in detail the importance of whaling to the Makah culture and tribe.

http://www.makah.com/whaling.htm

These traditions need to be saved! The makah treat the whales as a spiritual offering to their culture.

Please watch this video on tradition and whaling in the Makah Tribe.