I wae - tinued from previous page.. subjected to threats, intimidation, and fir- ings. The current situation Opponents of whaling from Canada and the United States have converged on Neah Bay in an effort to thwart the first whale hunt by Makah Indians in more than 70 years. Starting October I, the Makah were legally allowed to leave their shores carrying .SO calibre rifles with the intent of killing grey whales. They have 20 days in which to hunt and kill a grey whale. However, as of press time, they still not have commenced whaling. The whale hunt is currently on hold as the tribe waits for authorities to determine if the particular whale they have been fol- lowing is residential or migratory. The Makah have agreed not to kill members of a small pod of residential whales just outside of Neah Bay. However, the tribe has faced a bigger set- back with the departure of their harpooner. While he says he has left to go back to school, it seems like publf@ pinion is suc- ceeding in thwarting the tribe's plans. Makah spokespeople call this a temporary delay and say they already have a replace- ment harpooner. The name of the new har- pooner is not being released as the tribe fears threats and violence from protesters. Cy aka whe ling Anti-whaling groups are determined to do what they can to block the killing, arous- ing concern over potentially dangerous con- frontations at sea with the natives and law- enforcement officials protecting their legal right to hunt. Currently, protesters are try- ing to scare the grey whales away from Neah Bay by using ships as well as an I I-metre mini-submarine painted like a killer whale. Once the actual hunt begins, protesters will have to back off, as the Coast Guard has imposed a 400-metre protection zone around the native hunters. If I agreed with the hunt at all, I could understand this since some of the more radical environmentalists have been known to get a bit carried away. However, some protesters are calling this boundary, “a way to keep people from wit- nessing an atrocity.” By the time you read this article, a whale could be dead. And even if the Makah haven't yet succeeded in their hunt, it has already cost us dearly. The Clallam County officials (the law enforcement of Neah Bay) are seeking $150,000 to cover policing costs of the hunt on top of the $10,000 they have already received from the Justice Department. As well, over $200,000 in fed- eral funding has gone to support the Makah’s whale hunt lobbying efforts. Now I know that I am not an American taxpayer, so this money is not coming out of my QO Ue 1 ol ae Starvin pocket, but it still really outrages me. This money could be going towards the protec- tion of an endangered species, or directly to the Makah tribe to help them with some of their social problems. Ironically, of US tax- payers (who are picking up this tab), the majority overwhelmingly abhors the killing of whales. Still not convinced? Only four whales you say? Well, let me leave you with this infor- mation from the the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: ¢ The Makah’s intention to land four whales per year means they may strike and mortally wound many more before landing iC A | a § Stude DISCOUNT NIGHT thurs Orca Just show your student ID card to participating retailers when you shop the first Thursday of each month from 5pm to 9pm. List of participating stores available at Customer Service, South Mall. COQUITLAM CENTRE making life a little easier To make life a little easier, Coquitlam Centre is offering Douglas College students, staff and faculty a ‘student discount shopping night’. 464 8357 Cantel The next generation of whale conservationists get up close and personal Look for these Savings and much more! OP File Phd four whales. * In the past, the Makah didn't even eat grey whales. * The number of grey whales the Maka intend to land each year is much more mea than the Makah’s population could con- sume. Whales hold an inherent biological val which should be respected and studied, an no group should have the right, either lega or otherwise, to hunt and kill whales. R E nt 20% off New York Fries 25% off Pearle Vision 30% off Devon Shoes 15% off 2nd Look Studios 10% off Services Only Mappins Jewellers 10% off Tabi International 10% off McBean’s (upstairs) 25% off reg. priced merchandise Taco Don 10% off Shefield & Sons 5% off zippo lighters & box of 25 cigars Kazari Boutique 10% off reg. priced merchandise OHM Drycleaners 20% off Page 4 October 71998 The Other Press