“Treaty Justice” discussion with Scott Schuyler, Jay Julius and Lynda Mapes

In Treaty Justice: The Northwest Tribes, the Boldt Decision, and the Recognition of Fishing Rights, legal historian and tribal advocate Charles Wilkinson tells the dramatic story of the this seminal legal victory against the backdrop of salmon’s central place in the cultures and economies of the Pacific Northwest. In 1974, Judge George Boldt issued a ruling that affirmed the fishing rights and tribal sovereignty of Native nations in Washington State. The Boldt Decision transformed Indigenous law and resource management across the United States and beyond. Like Brown v. Board of Education, the case also brought about far-reaching societal changes, reinforcing tribal sovereignty and remedying decades of injustice.

North Cascades Institute, Third Place Books and University of Washington Press were honored to host a discussion panel on this important book, the landmark Boldt Decision and the ruling’s impact on tribal food sovereignty with Scott Schuyler of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Jay Julius of the Lummi Nation and Seattle Times reporter and author Linda Mapes on October 8, 2025 at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park near Seattle.

I appreciated this panel discussion – in particular how Jay and Scott each explained the different nature of their own fish resource that dictated their different fishing practices, which recognizes the vastly different ecologies and environmental conditions of their separate homelands.”

– Bob Mierendorf, North Cascades National Park Archaeologist (retired)

Wilkinson passed away months before Treaty Justice was published and we dedicate this gathering to his dedicated and passionate work with teaching, writing, mentoring, Indigenous rights advocacy, and the protection of public lands and natural resources. Learn more about his legacy at www.colorado.edu.

Find more interesting discussions on books and current topics on our Youtube channel >>