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 Comments on the passing and remembrance of Billy Frank, Jr.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Billy Frank, Jr. – Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and a member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Billy fought for treaty rights to fish the waters of the Pacific Northwest, a battle he finally won in 1974 after being arrested many times during tribal “fish-ins”. Today, thanks to his courage and determined effort, our resources are better protected, and more tribes are able to enjoy the rights preserved for them more than a century ago. Billy never stopped fighting to make sure future generations would be able to enjoy the outdoors as he did, and his passion on the issue of climate change should serve as an inspiration to us all. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and to Billy’s family, and to his many friends who so greatly admired him. - President Obama, The White House / Office of the Press Secretary "Washington lost a true legend with the passing of Billy Frank, Jr. today. "He was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the long fight for the rights of our state's native people. Billy was a champion of tribal rights, of the salmon, and the environment. He did that even when it meant putting himself in physical danger or facing jail. "I'm thankful Billy was here to see the 2014 Legislature pass a bill helping to overturn convictions from treaty protests. Billy was right on this issue and the state owed this gesture of justice to him and others who jeopardized their liberty to fight for treaty rights. "Billy never wavered in his conviction and passion. He stressed to me the spiritual and cultural relationship that indigenous people have with salmon. "His work is the foundation of an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten in Washington state. "He once said, 'The Creator put that salmon there for it to survive.' I thank the Creator for putting Billy here to make sure we never forget what he fought for. "Trudi and I send our condolences to Billy's family, friends, tribal members and everyone across the state and the country who mourns the passing of this great man." - Governor Jay Inslee, Office of the Governor A personal and professional tribute to Billy Frank, Jr. - Maia Bellon, Director, Department of Ecology Former Congressman Norm Dicks Remembers Billy Frank, Jr. - Former Congressman Norm Dicks Sen. Cantwell: 'He Was A Legend Among Men,' On Passing Of Tribal Fishing Activist Billy Frank Jr. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell Tribal fishing activist led fight resulting in 1974 Boldt decision - John Dodge, The Olympian Billy Frank Jr. — activist, icon, environmental giant - The News Tribune Billy Frank Jr.: Champion of tribal rights dies at age 83 - Craig Welch, The Seattle Times Billy Frank Jr., longtime Northwest tribal fishing activist, dies at 83 - Gene Johnson and Phuong Lee, The Associated Press 2nd UPDATE — Northwest tribal fishing leader Billy Frank Jr. dies - Peninsula Daily News, McClatchy News Service and The Associated Press America has lost a giant - Jeff Shaw, NC Policy Watch Billy Frank Jr.: Appreciating a Northwest civil rights legend - Joel Connelly, SeattlePI Tribal Treaty Rights Champion Billy Frank Jr. Dead At Age 83 - Tom Banse, NW News Network-NPR Tribal fishing rights activist Billy Frank Jr. dies - Erin Van Bronkhorst, Puget Sound Business Journal |