Billy Frank Jr. of the Nisqually Indian Tribe passed away this morning. Frank was an icon of treaty Indian fishing rights in Washington State, the fish wars of the 1960s that lead to the federal court decision of US v WA in 1974. Billy helped found and has lead the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission since its inception. Billy was supposed to be at a meeting this morning to discuss details regarding the decision to not stock hatchery steelhead in Puget Sound rivers this spring. When he didn't show, NWIFC staff went looking and found that he had passed away in his sleep.

RIP Billy

RIP. Frank did a lot to help his people. I didn't always agree with everything he said, but he was a wise statesman and will be missed. Sad day.

+1

+2 RIP Billy Frank. Thanks for all your efforts towards fisheries conservation.

Oh my.... If this is true, there should be a moment of reflection for one of the most influential Tribal leaders of our generation.

Not everyone agreed with everything he said, but nobody can dispute his energy and commitment to his tribe and to Native peoples everywhere.

RIP Billy. We will miss you.

+3 The salmon and steelhead of the region has loss an important champion and all of us that value that resource an effective ally.

Thoughts and prayers with his family and people.

Saddened to hear of Billy Frank, Jr's passing. His voice will be missed in future fishing discussions. RIP

RIP. He was the voice I listened to after Service days.

Thoughts and prayers for Family and Friends...

Early in my career I had the opportunity to work with Billy. It was fun, I learned a lot. He will be missed. The fish resources certainly lost a spokesman.

One less voice of reason, just at a time when we need people like him the most. RIP Billy Frank Jr

As in all things one needs to know where you came from to know where you are going and for those not familiar his story it is a reasonable read.


http://www.tolerance.org/activity/against-current

Thanks for posting that Rivrguy

RIP, Billy Frank Jr.Good luck,

SZ

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
May 5, 2014
Contact: Bruce Botka, (360) 902-2262
Darren Friedel, (360) 902-2256
Statement from WDFW Director Phil Anderson
on the passing of Billy Frank Jr.
"Billy Frank Jr. was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He was a no-nonsense and straightforward communicator while at the same time warm and caring of other human beings. I looked forward to the embrace I got every time we met and was honored to have known him for so many years.
"I will never forget the twinkle in his eye when he saw and spoke with the young people who gathered with him at the 40th anniversary of the Boldt decision, held just a few months ago. It was clear that family meant everything to him.
"Billy was widely recognized as a great leader and he took on that role with grace and honor. The mere presence of him changed the atmosphere in the room. No one ever questioned his role as a leader. No one ever questioned his passion for natural resources. And no one ever questioned his commitment to Indian people.
"His willingness to fight for his people and for the salmon never once waivered throughout his life. When it came to saving salmon, his challenge to all of us was captured by him saying: 'If we aren't going to do it, then who the hell is?'
"It's therefore up to us to continue the fight to save our salmon and preserve our natural resources for future generations. For his sake, we cannot fail. He set an example for many to follow, and I was honored to know him as my friend."
________________________________________

RIP Billy Frank Jr

I was the photographer and archivist for Frank's Landing for many years, my wife and I loved and revered Billy Frank. Listening to him speak always was an education. He will be missed by so many. Bob R

One of the most...hell, THE most...influential individual in salmonid management in Washington State. I didn't always agree with Billy but I listened to every word he said and learned an awful lot from him. He will be missed greatly.

Fish on...

Todd

didn't know a thing about the guy, but when you see such nice things said about him I was compelled to learn about his life. RIP Mr. Frank.

Back in the 70's he fought the good fight....for salmon, steelhead and for the native people.

RIP Billy Frank Jr......the Pacific Northwest is a better place because you walked among us.

+1. Anytime another fellow fisherman "wets his line in other waters", we should pay homage. It sounds like he touched a lot of lives and fought for what he believed in and I respect that.