The Olympia City Council proclaimed March 9, 2024, as Billy Frank Jr. Day to honor and recognize the life and legacy of the Nisqually activist.
The proclamation commemorated Frank Jr.'s contributions and the 50th anniversary of the Boldt decision, which affirmed tribal fishing rights in Washington State.
At Tuesday's city council meeting, councilmembers read a proclamation summarizing Frank Jr.'s role in the "Fish Wars," where Northwest tribes defended a treaty fishing rights in the 1960s and 70s.
Frank Jr. led peaceful protests with tribal members who would exercise their treaty rights despite facing jail time, physical assault, and seizure of property to protect their wildlife.
Frank Jr.'s activism resulted in the 1974 "Boldt decision," where the U.S. affirmed tribal fishing rights and co-management of fisheries resources.
The proclamation also noted that in 2025, a statue of Billy Frank Jr. will represent Washington State in the United States Capitol building, marking the first statue depicting a contemporary Native American in the National Statuary Hall. This honor recognizes Frank Jr.'s significant role in defending tribal treaty rights and sovereignty.
Councilmember Jim Cooper emphasized the importance of telling Frank Jr.'s story to every young person. "Life is cyclical. They come back. The more we learn from them and grow from them, the less likely we are to make the mistakes we made."
Nisqually Tribal Chairman Willie Frank III and other tribal members were in attendance. The group performed a traditional song.
Chairman Frank, who is the son of Billy Frank Jr., reflected on how far tribal relations with local governments have come in the 50 years since his father and other tribal members were arrested while exercising their treaty rights.
Willie Frank acknowledged progress, such as the Nisqually language being spoken in city hall and schools and tribal member Bob Iyall being elected to the Port of Olympia Commission.
Willie thanked city officials for their ongoing collaboration, such as on the upcoming Nisqually's medically assisted treatment facility, which aims to offer various healthcare services, including mental health counseling, dental care, psychiatric medication management, and other related services.
Willie Frank said this progress is part of his father's teaching of working together.
Councilmember Clark Gilman shared personal experiences with Billy Frank Jr., recalling how the latter would often include a joke or sarcasm alongside his serious work advocating for treaty rights.
Councilmember Dani Madrone said that celebrating "Billy Frank Jr. Day" is an opportunity for the tribe to tell their story and ensure that these stories stay alive and carry on into the future.
Madrone also thanked the Nisqually Tribe for contributing to the community by building the medically assisted treatment facility.
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Boatyarddog
Celebrate
Thursday, March 7 Report this
wildnature
Long coming, over-the -top deserved. Any activity planned for March 9th? Details?
Friday, March 8 Report this
Boatyarddog
Wildnature
Not that i've read yet..
.but a backyard BBQ is an idea.
Friday, March 8 Report this
Boatyarddog
Thank you B. Frank!
Your Activism has bloomed into many Salmon Saving Realities.
The Work that is Badly needed to protect what is left of our ecosystems.
PROTECT OUR WILDLANDS!
Saturday, March 9 Report this