Back in August, we learned the co-chairman of the Tulalip Fisheries, Joe Hatch and his son were arrested for poaching crab and selling/trafficking it. Perfect metaphor for the fox in the hen house. Now on KOMO News, we learn that two more tribal members, Robert Fryberg and Nicholas Edelman were just arrested and charged with illegally poaching and selling/trafficking crab from the Port Susan water. KOMO reports these two were poaching more than 100 crabs a week, and possibly thousands altogether. They may have decimated the Dungeness crab population here for some time to come. Can’t wait to pay for my license next year.
State officers say they’re working with tribal police to curb the problem. Curb the problem? How about punishment that will eliminate the problem? What really burns me is that we know when a criminal is caught, be it DUI, shoplifting, etc., it is only one instance, and how many times and for how long has the wrongdoer been at it? People on the reservation had to know about these poachers. Is there no pride left? In addition to this poaching, there have been members arrested for taking elk illegally, and in April of this past year, a member was arrested for clubbing two bald eagles; later sentenced to just over three months (of free food, medical, clothes, entertainment at our expense.)
These resources are shared by all. The tribe does not have exclusive ownership rights. There has not been a lot of uplifting news these past two years regarding tribal members. I cannot help losing some respect for the local natives. I hope the chairman, elders, John McCoy or someone with respect and authority can right this wayward ship, because folks, it’s sinking. These bad acts and actors create and perpetuate bias, stereotype, and racism at a time when we should have none of it.
Rob Dietz
Arlington
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