This is a war for survival.

My people look out their windows every day at the land and waters that used to be theirs. And when they go out onto that land to hunt and fish, as we have for hundreds of years, we have to pay tribute to the State of Alaska and the Federal Government and ask them how much salmon we may take, because white people have over fished the region. When they say “you may not take any,” or “you may take only a very little” as they often do, then we must import canned goods and grains shipped to us in diesel driven ships and on air planes. Then people from the city say, “Why are all these Indians living out in their villages where we have to support them? Why don’t they all just move into the city and get jobs.” So you’ll have to forgive us for being a little bit bitter about having our land taken, and you’ll have to forgive those of us who have taken pot shots from our boats at Fish and Game wardens, and you’ll have to forgive us when we once again launch our war canoes to reclaim what is ours.