05/30/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
QUINAULT INDIAN NATION INITIATES PROCESS TO RECOGNIZE ITS SOUTHERN TREATY FISHING AREAS
TAHOLAH, WA — The Quinault Indian Nation has initiated the process under United States v. Washington to seek recognition of treaty-reserved fishing rights in southern waters historically used by the Quinault People.
As a first step, the Nation convened a Meet and Confer with interested parties pursuant to the procedures governing United States v. Washington. The meeting provides an opportunity for discussion before the Nation files a formal Request for Determination with the United States District Court.
The Treaty of Olympia preserved the Quinault People's right to fish at their usual and accustomed grounds and stations. For generations, those resources have sustained Quinault families and remained central to the Nation's culture, economy, and way of life. The Nation understands the historical record demonstrates extensive Quinault use of southern waters at and before treaty times.
“This effort is about honoring the promises preserved by our ancestors and ensuring that our history is accurately recognized,” said Quinault Indian Nation President Guy Capoeman. “Our people have long understood these waters to be part of the places where Quinault families lived, traveled, and fished. We have a responsibility to protect what was reserved for us and to ensure those rights are preserved for future generations as intended.”
The Nation emphasized that the initiation of this process does not result in any immediate changes to fisheries management or existing fishing activities. The matter will proceed through the established United States v. Washington framework.
Quinault remains committed to maintaining respectful government-to-government relationships with neighboring tribes, the State of Washington, and federal agencies throughout the proceedings.
“This is an important step for the Nation, but it is also a measured one,” President Capoeman added. “We approach this effort respectfully, in good faith, and with a commitment to the orderly resolution of unresolved treaty-rights questions.”
