2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the controversial Boldt Decision, which granted 50% of the catch to Indigenous fishermen in Washington State.
For many non-Indigenous fishermen, including members of the Lopez community, it meant a loss of income; for Indigenous people, it meant a small step towards mending broken treaties.
Fish War tells the story from the beginning, starting with the original 1850s treaties and their subsequent violation, and the fight to restore treaty rights, culminating in the Boldt Decision. It also tells the story of the ongoing Indigenous-led environmental and legal fight to preserve the dwindling salmon populations and their at-risk habitats.
Following the screening there will be a panel discussion featuring Willie Frank III (Nisqually), Althea Wilson (Lummi), Jay Julius (Lummi), and Ed Johnstone (Quinalt).
If you have a story to tell about how the Boldt Decision affected your life, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to history@lopezmuseum.org
