UPDATE, July 24, 2014
The latest issue of “Northwest
Indian Fisheries Commission News” (PDF 1.1 mb) is dedicated to
the late Billy Frank, who served as chairman of the commission for
nearly 40 years. The issue includes numerous tributes from those
who worked with Billy through the years. Print copies are available
by emailing Tony Meyer or
Emmet O’Connell at
NWIFC.
—
UPDATE, June 11, 2014
Jeromy Sullivan, chairman of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, wrote
a tribute to Billy Frank that is worth reading. Jeromy mentions
three admirable attributes of Billy Frank and gives examples of
each. They are words to live by.
- Stand up for what you believe in … even when no one else will.
- Treat people with respect even if you’re on opposite sides.
- It’s the big and small things that make your community a better place.
Read Jeromy’s entire column, written for the Port
Gamble S’Klallam Newspaper.
—–
The affection and admiration expressed for Billy Frank Jr. has been somewhat overwhelming in recent days. I thought it would be nice to pull together some of the tributes — including the memorial service — that talk about this man who was an irrepressible voice for salmon recovery, environmental restoration and Native American rights.
Billy, 83, a member of the Nisqually Tribe and chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, died last Monday, May 5, at his home. As I said in Water Ways last Tuesday, I believe Billy will remain an unforgetable force.
An estimated 6,000 people attended his memorial service Sunday at the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Skookum Creek Event Center, located at Little Creek Casino Resort near Shelton.
The service was recorded by Squaxin Streams and posted on the Livestream website, which is the video player on this page.
Billy Frank’s own words, “Nobody can replace my life,” speak of the changes from one generation to the next. Billy knew as well as anyone that we can’t go back, but he asked people to help determine a better environmental future. Secretary of State Legacy Project.
Tributes, statements, news
William D. Ruckelshaus, former chairman of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council, of which Billy was a member. Published in Crosscut, May 8.
Martha Kongsgaard, current chairwoman of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council. Published on the partnership’s website, May 6.
Gov. Jay Inslee, statement from the Governor’s Office
President Barack Obama, statement from the White House
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, VIDEO, speech on Senate floor, May 12.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, VIDEO, speech on Senate floor, May 12.
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, VIDEO, speech on House floor, May 9.
Former U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton. Statement, Van Ness, Feldman.
John Dodge, reporter for The Olympian. Published in the Olympian, May 8.
E3 Washington, Education, Environment, Economy. Website, May 7.
Indian Country Today Media Network
Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribal Council, and
Jeromy Sullivan, chairman of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal
Council, in
Kitsap Sun, May 5.
UPDATE, June 11, 2014
Jeromy Sullivan, chairman of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, wrote a tribute to Billy Frank that is worth reading. Jeromy mentions three admirable attributes of Billy and gives examples of each. They are words to live by.
— Stand up for what you believe in … even when no one else will.
— Treat people with respect even if you’re on opposite sides.
— It’s the big and small things that make your community a better place.
Read Jeromy’s entire column, written for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Newspaper.
UPDATE, July 24, 2014
The latest issue of “Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission News” (PDF 1.1 mb) is dedicated to the late Billy Frank, who served as chairman of the commission for nearly 40 years. The issue includes numerous tributes from those who worked with Billy through the years. Print copies are available by emailing Tony Meyer or Emmet O’Connell at NWIFC.