NEAH BAY — The Makah Tribal Court trial of five whalers will get back on track soon under the direction of a new chief judge.
Stanley Meyers, a former Neah Bay resident, on Tuesday began the job that will include presiding over what could be the tribe’s most closely watched proceedings ever — at least in the eyes of people outside the reservation.
The tribe announced the day following the whale’s death that it would prosecute the whalers for violations of its whaling regulations even as federal authorities brought their own charges against the men.
However, public comments by the tribe’s former chief judge, Jean Vitalis, called into question her objectivity about the case, and Associate Judge Emma Doulik has recused herself, citing “strong emotions” over the botched Sept. 8 whale hunt.
The Makah then asked Quinault Chief Judge Edythe Chenois to hear the case.
She initially accepted but soon said health reasons prevented her from presiding over a trial in Neah Bay.
The tribe also approached Tulalip Tribes Associate Judge Theresa Pouley but reached no agreement.
