- now we have to go out a make a celebration of it? I think not. While I personally have great respect for Native American spirituality and cultures, I cannot consider this act to be representative of carrying forth any positive cultural heritage. It is my understanding that Native Americans in the past have always taken (killed) animals, etc. only as needed for survival and then in great respect and deep appreciation of the animal. This wanton act of killing certainly does not seem to be motivated by survival, respect for all of earth's life forms, nor spirituality. Of course an additional fear here is not just the "5 whales" that the Makau have been "federally approved" to kill, but the precedent being set for many other tribes or indigenous groups worldwide - "because it is part of their cultural heritage." I'm all for celebrating cultural heritage, diversity, and freedom of expression, but not at the expense of innocent life forms. The logic that is being used here is faulty - "Because we have always killed (whatever) we *must* continue to kill." This type of reasoning flies in the face of intellectual, agricultural, environmental and spiritual evolution. And yet, on October 5, 1998, the Makah Indians of Neah Bay, Washington will break State and Federal laws flagrantly and in full view of lawmakers who are doing nothing at this point to stop them. The Makah have scheduled a whale hunt to honor their tribal culture. Part of this 'honoring' includes