Billy Frank Jr. and his Long Fight for Social Justice

By: Lydia Millyon

Billy Frank Jr.

Billy Frank Jr. was a Native American who fought for equal rights. He was born on March 9th, 1931 in Nisqually Indian Community, Wa. He advocated for fishing rights in Nisqually; this was triggered from when he was a teenager and got arrested for fishing in Nisqually River. Unlucky for him this wouldn't arrest, he would then be arrested 50 more times!

At age 9 he would stop going to school and at 21 he would join the Marine corps. He was very proud to serve, but he would still be mistreated when he wanted to go fishing in his hometown.

In 1970 Justice Department filed suit in United States v. Washington regarding "relief for treaties covering the area west of Cascade Mountains and north of Columbia River drainage area, including the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula watershed".

After countless years of this trial and Billy Frank's dedication, it was passed. Trust was brought to the tribes and state officials with the Puget Sound Salmon Management Plan. This plan allowed Frank (ow the leader of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission) to work with the government and other non-Indian groups to help with fishing/protective rights for Indians.

Bill Frank fought long and hard for justice and environmental preservation. He paved the way for many people to discuss and work on social problems for Native Americans.

Quote: "I don't believe in magic. I believe in the sun and the stars, the water, the tides, the owls, the hawks flying, the river running, the wind talking. They're measurements. They tell us how healthy things are. How healthy we are. Because we and they are the same. That's what I believe in".