A Whale Hunt: How a Native American Village Did What No One Thought It Could Contributor(s): Sullivan, Robert (Author) |
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ISBN: 0684864347 ISBN-13: 9780684864341 Publisher: Scribner Book Company OUR PRICE: $18.95 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: May 2002 Annotation: The story of a Native American tribe's quest to re-institute a long-forgotten tradition, "A Whale Hunt" is a gloriously idiosyncratic fusion of travelogue, ecology, history, moral controversy, and high-seas adventure. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Technology & Engineering | Fisheries & Aquaculture - History | United States - State & Local - General |
Dewey: 639.280 |
LCCN: 00030108 |
Physical Information: 0.72" H x 5.51" W x 8.52" (0.82 lbs) 288 pages |
Themes: - Chronological Period - 1950-1999 - Cultural Region - Pacific Northwest - Cultural Region - West Coast - Ethnic Orientation - Native American - Geographic Orientation - Washington - Cultural Region - Western U.S. |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: For centuries the hunting of the whale was what defined the Makah, a Native American tribe in Neah Bay, but when commercial whaling drove the gray whale to near extinction in the 1920s, the Makah voluntarily discontinued their tradition and hung up their harpoons. In 1994, after the gray whale was taken off the endangered species list, the Makah decided to hunt again. The problem was that all the old whalers were dead -- no one knew how to go about hunting a whale. A Whale Hunt chronicles the two years Robert Sullivan spends with the Makah as they prepare for and stage the first hunt. Combating tribal infighting and inexperience, they must also face passionate, furious animal rights activists and swarming reporters. Before the ragtag group of hunters even pursues a whale, there are clashes, disappointments, and defeats, small triumphs and unexpected heroes. A book of many layers and revelations, A Whale Hunt is the story of the demise and attempted resurrection of a Native American nation and of the individuals on the reservation whose lives are forever changed. |