Abstract:
Many of the waters and fish species relied upon by tribal peoples
are contaminated. Dioxins, PCBs, methylmercury, and a litany
of pollutants toxic to humans and other living things have
compromised the health of the Columbia River Basin,1 where we
are gathered, as well as other watersheds throughout the Pacific
Northwest.
This widespread contamination poses a particular threat to
many Native peoples. Historically and in contemporary times,
members of these fishing peoples consume more fish, at greater
frequency, and in accordance with different cultural practices
than the general population. Because fish consumption is the
primary route of exposure to many of these toxic contaminants,
Native peoples are among the most highly exposed.