Final Answer:
The Stevens treaties remain legally binding today primarily because tribal fishing and hunting rights must still be respected. This aspect ensures the enduring relevance of the agreements, safeguarding indigenous communities' traditional practices and resource access, thus the correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal validity of the Stevens treaties persists due to the ongoing recognition and enforcement of tribal fishing and hunting rights. These agreements, negotiated in the 1850s, allocated certain lands to Native American tribes in exchange for ceding other territories to the U.S. government. The treaties explicitly outlined the preservation of indigenous fishing and hunting rights, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of these activities.
To further underscore their contemporary relevance, tribal fishing rights are protected by federal laws such as the Boldt Decision. This landmark court ruling in 1974 affirmed tribes' entitlement to a fair share of the salmon harvest, upholding the promises made in the Stevens treaties. The subsequent legal framework ensures that tribes continue to receive allocations of fish, a critical aspect of their sustenance and cultural practices.
Moreover, the enduring legal significance of these treaties is evident in the continuous employment of indigenous peoples by farmers in Washington. The treaties aimed at establishing peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit, and the engagement of indigenous labor by non-tribal entities is a testament to the lasting impact of these agreements on the socio-economic landscape of the region.
In summary, the Stevens treaties' legal standing today is most prominently manifested in the preservation of tribal fishing and hunting rights, reflecting an enduring commitment to the terms negotiated over a century ago. This ongoing legal recognition underscores the importance of upholding historical agreements to promote justice and cultural preservation.