The Makah people reside in the northwestern corner of the continental United States in Washington in the vicinity of Neah Bay. The tribe is believed to have continuously inhabited this region of Washington for more than three millennia subsisting on fishing and whaling in the Pacific Ocean.

They prefer to refer to themselves as the “people who live by the rocks and the seagulls” since the name Makah is a corruption of a Salish word that means “generous with food.”

The Makah tribal reservation on the Olympic Peninsula is approximately 46 square miles (121 square kilometers) and was created in 1855 when the tribe agreed to cede the majority of its territory to the U.S. government in exchange for the right to fish, seal and whale in their waters. Many Makah derive most of their income from fishing. Makah fish for salmon, halibut, Pacific whiting, and other marine fish.

Although the language became extinct over one hundred years ago, they seek to maintain their rich cultural heritage. The Makah tribe hosts its annual major public gathering, Makah Days, in late August. It features a grand parade and street fair as well as canoe races, traditional games, singing, dancing, feasting, and fireworks.