Archaeological evidence at the site of the ancient Makah village of Ozette indicates the Tribe’s whaling tradition goes back at least 1,500 years, probably earlier. Even when the Tribe wasn’t whaling, the spiritual connection between the Makah and the whale spirits was kept alive in the form of sacred whaling songs. “Paddles up!” Members of the Makah Tribe dance to a sacred Makah whaling song. Photo by Frank HopperThe Tribe Calls the Whales BackOn Saturday night, my friends and I go to the Makah Community Gym to witness sacred Makah dancing and the singing of sacred whaling songs. Saved from death by a sacred gift from the deity and by the whale’s sacrifice, the Makah honor all gray whales.