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Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission 



6730 Martin Way E., Olympia, WA 98506 Phone (206) 438-1180 



TESTIMONY 

 OF THE 



NORTHWEST INDIAN FISHERIES COMMISSION 

 BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS 



OF THE 



HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE 



ON INDIAN FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 



WASHINGTON, DC, FEBRUARY 18, 1993 



INTRODUCTION 



The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and the member tribes we represent, 

 are pleased to be appear before the Subcommittee to provide you with a briefing 

 about fish and wildlife management issues of concern to the treaty Indian tribes in 

 western Washington. 



We appreciate and support the Subcommittee's efforts to better understand the full 

 range of Indian fish and wildlife management. We also support, in concept, the 

 development of legislation which would more fully embrace tribal fish and wildlife 

 management on a governmental basis. Through such efforts will come clarification 

 of our natural resource related rights and responsibilities, as well as a better, more 

 complete understanding of tribal management efforts by the citizens of the United 

 States. 



As you know, the tribes have endured a long history of being misunderstood by non- 

 Indian residents of this continent. Unfortunately, it seems at times that there has 

 been little progress in this regard. But part of our message is that there has been 

 progress in the Pacific Northwest. I also want you to know that with your continued 

 support for our management efforts and programs we will continue this progress and 

 show what a fine investment our efforts yield. 



We do not ask for much. Just that which is already ours. Just those rights which we 

 have always retained. Just recognition of the sovereign status which has been 

 formally recognized, but frequently ignored by this country since its inception. 



