Comments on: Alaska’s Native Village of Kivalina Harvests First Beluga Whale of the Year

By: Robert Rocha

Robert Rocha — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:28:03 +0000

Dear Fair Trade,
You show a complete lack of understanding of how important whaling is to the Inupiat. They have to get their protein from things they hunt, since they can’t grow vegetables on the North Slope. The practice of whaling is completely woven into their lives and has been for centuries. Whether it’s preparing for, participating in or packing up from a harvest, it’s integral to what they do. I may be a white guy from MA, but I know several Inupiat very well. They thank each whale for giving its life to the people. This is not trivial or recreational to them. They don’t sell any of the whale. They eat it and share it.

By: Duncan

Duncan — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:09:33 +0000

I’m just always wondering….
CAN THERE BE A BETTER WAY ?
ARE THERE REALLY ABUNDANCE OF WHALES IN THAT AREA..
THAT IT SHOULD BE KILLED ?
WHAT ABOUT TOURISM ?
WE CERTAINLY DON’T GET TO SEE THOSE CUTE BELUGAS IN
OUR AREA!
BEING ‘Traditional’ IS ONE THING…..

By: Fair Trade

Fair Trade — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:34:03 +0000

Just because things are traditional doesn’t make them right: foot binding and female circumcision to name just two.
There’s a very good chance that the last members of various species will be killed ‘traditionally’ – we should stop the practice. Now.
Mental note to self – don’t shed a tear on hearing news that the last Iñupiat Eskimo has lost their habitat/indigenous life – like be-gets like.