Upper Skagit Prevails over Suquamish in Ninth Circuit U&A Fishing Territory Appeal

Here is the opinion in Upper Skagit Indian Tribe v. Suquamish Indian Tribe.

An excerpt:

In this treaty fishing rights case, the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe (“the Upper Skagit”) filed a Request for Determination as to the geographic scope of the Suquamish Indian Tribe’s (“the Suquamish”) usual and accustomed fishing grounds and stations (“U&A”) as determined by Judge Boldt in 1975. Specifically, the Upper Skagit sought a determination that the Suquamish’s U&A determinations do not include Chuckanut Bay, Samish Bay, and a portion of Padilla Bay where the Upper Skagit has its own court-approved U&A determinations (“the Contested Waters”). On cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court concluded that Judge Boldt did not intend to include the Contested Waters in the Suquamish’s U&A determinations and, accordingly, granted summary judgment to the Upper Skagit. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291. Reviewing de novo, we affirm.

Briefs here.

Ninth Circuit Briefs in Upper Skagit Indian Tribe v. Suquamish Indian Tribe

This is the appeal in United States v. Washington subproceeding 14-01:

Suquamish Opening Brief

Tulalip Brief

Klallam Tribes Brief

Upper Skagit Brief

Suquamish Reply

Lower court materials here.