Treaty Justice

"Exceptionally well-researched and clearly written."

"A deeply sympathetic account of saving wild salmon. . . Readers interested in the history of Indigenous peoples, the Pacific Northwest, and legal battles will enjoy this book."

"The first comprehensive, book-length account of all that led up to the landmark 1974 case, United States v. Washington, commonly known as "the Boldt Decision". . . There is probably no author better suited to recount this history than [Charles] Wilkinson."

"In time for the 50th anniversary of the landmark Boldt Decision, Wilkinson unlocks a unique view into the players and actions behind the fight for civil rights for tribes in the Pacific Northwest and the lasting significance of the decision which set a new legal precedent for the relationship between tribes, the federal government, and the states."

"An even-handed and comprehensive primer on this vexed, core issue in the Northwest."

"Charles Wilkinson not only aptly provides the larger historical context for what is arguably one of the most important court decisions of the twentieth century regarding rights but, more importantly, also conveys the human element. . . This is a book that can easily be used in a college classroom, demonstrating a case study of how legal decisions are made and why they matter. But it has real-world applications outside of academia for tribal governments, for environmentalists, and for anyone interested in the interplay between culture and treaty rights."

"An excellent and important final work for an illustrious career. . . Highly recommended."

"The Boldt Decision was, to say the least, a watershed moment in the history of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. A half century on, Wilkinson has given us the inside story of this critical case: the labor that went into its manifestation, its implications for all who live in these places, and most importantly the Indigenous land, water, and more-than-human relations that are at its core. A must-read."

"This book illuminates more than the law and issues of tribal sovereignty during the Northwest Fishing Wars but how the voices of Native People elevate and inspire justice for all life. Charles Wilkinson, with all his eloquence and empathy, intelligence and passion, brings us into an understanding of why the legal rights and treaties of Indigenous People must be honored, maintained, and fought for in the name of dignity, while protecting cultural knowledge held deep within their enduring relationships within their own home ground. Treaty Justice is a final testament to all that this beloved writer of the American West and Indian histories gave his life to: love and justice."

"Charles Wilkinson was intimately involved in tribal treaty fishing rights by writing about this issue for many years. He was a legal expert and personally involved right up to the time that he sadly passed away."

"The annual salmon run is one of the wonders of the world and central to the cultures and economies of the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Treaty Justice offers an authoritative account of the ground-breaking Boldt decision that restored fishing rights to “the Salmon people.” Wilkinson’s clear and compelling narrative traces the long, winding road that led to this foundational court case and explores how it continues to sustain Native communities today."

"Charles Wilkinson has done it again. With unmatched familiarity and command, he adds another essential volume to the amazing history of Indigenous activism and legal advocacy that has made the Northwest such a vibrant region for Native rights and power. While much more remains to be done to affirm the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty in American legal institutions, Wilkinson's insights, vision, and legacy offer both guidance and inspiration."

"Charles Wilkinson has left us with a gift of great knowledge, just as the tribal elders he speaks of gave to us. His dedicated research will help present and future generations understand the cultural, political and legal resilience of the Boldt Decision. This book honors all those who fought for treaty fishing rights, the ancient traditions of the Northwest salmon people and their right to co-manage their fisheries as sovereign government."