Boldt Decision

Nisqually tribal fisher Willie Frank III holds a freshly caught chinook, or king, salmon at the Nisqually River, where his family has fished for generations. The chinook being caught are from the Nisqually Indian Tribe's hatcheries. (Credit: Annie Warren / NWPB)

Billy's magic: Tribal leader’s fierce fight for fishing rights to be honored with a statue in Washington, D.C.

Anna King

When the sun-warmed blackberries are ready in late summer — so are the king salmon.So said Willie Frank III, the son of well-known Nisqually environmental…

Four people, two men and two women, stand in front of a large screen on a stage. The screen has the words "Fish War" projected on it.

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'Fish War' documentary highlights tribal leaders' fight

(Runtime 3:52)A documentary that showcased tribal leaders emerging as environmental guardians to safeguard salmon was presented at the Numerica Performing…

"Fish War" screens at the Numerica Performing Arts Center on Thursday. (Credit: North Forty Productions)

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'Fish War' screens in Wenatchee

(Runtime 0:56)WENATCHEE— A documentary highlighting tribal leaders who stepped forward as environmental stewards to protect salmon will be screened at the…

Billy Frank Jr., left, a Nisqually tribal elder who was arrested dozens of times while trying to assert his native fishing rights during the Fish Wars of the 1960s and '70s, poses for a photo Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, with Ed Johnstone, of the Quinault tribe, at Frank's Landing on the Nisqually River in Nisqually, Wash. They are holding a photo from the late 1960s of Frank and Don McCloud fishing on the river. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / AP)

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The Boldt Decision’s impact on Indigenous rights, 50 years later

The landmark 1974 case ordered Washington to uphold its treaties, affirm Indigenous salmon fishing rights and recognize Native nations’ sovereignty.

Nisqually Tribe Chairman Willie Frank III stands next to the maquette of his father, Billy Frank Jr., in the State Reception Room at the Washington State Capitol, Jan. 10. 2024. (Credit: WA Leg Photography)

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Late tribal leader, Billy Frank Jr., honored at Washington capitol

Emotions flooded the State Reception Room in Olympia Jan. 10 as tribal leaders, Washington lawmakers, and community members came together to witness the unveiling of the maquette of Billy Frank Jr. The maquette, a smaller replica of a 9-foot tall statue of Frank that will go to the National Statuary Hall collection, honors the late champion for Native American treaty rights and natural resources.