Utilitarian versus Non-Utilitarian Perspectives on Heiltsuk Relationships with Salmon
Overview
This close reading essay examines the Heiltsuk community's utilitarian approach to salmon, viewing fish primarily as food sources for survival and status. The paper contrasts this perspective with non-utilitarian approaches that advocate for treating animals as equals and implementing sustainable practices such as fish farming and habitat preservation.
What this essay covers
- Introduction establishing the utilitarian nature of Heiltsuk-salmon relationships and their perspective on fish as food sources
- Analysis of Heiltsuk practices including large-scale gathering and archaeological evidence of salmon consumption
- Comparison of utilitarian versus non-utilitarian perspectives on animal relationships and sustainable resource management
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The nature of the Heiltsuk relationship with the animals is what I could refer to as utilitarian. This perception is based on the perception of the community towards the salmon fish. The Heiltsuk community sees no value in the salmon fish besides their food use(Heiltsuk Nation 2020). Moreover, society perceives fish as animals that should be natured and used for food. In this community, salmon fish is regarded as a valuable food. Moreover, gathering fish in large quantities earn a man a higher leadership position in this community. The story of the Heiltsuk suggests that fish could have a more excellent value besides their everyday use for food. However, the Heiltsuk community forgets to forecast the future concerning their activities. People from this community gather fish in large numbers, and they face the risk of running out of the salmon fish. Their archaeological sites are full of remains of salmon fish, which they take pride in as a way of paying respect. However, it would be more respectful to treat live salmons better when alive, and they would serve more importance to the lives of the Heiltsuk.
The utilitarian perspective involves the idea that animals are simply sources of food and have no additional benefit (Hill 2013). This perception is a stereotype adopted by the Heiltsuk since they express a sense of entitlement towards the salmon fish. The Heiltsuk think that they have sufficient fish to feed the community for a long time.