Where the Salmon Run: The Life and Legacy of Billy Frank Jr.

by Trova Heffernan

Paperback, 2013

Call number

NWC 979.4 HEF

Collection

Northwest

Genres

Publication

Office of the Secretary of State's Washington State Heritage Center Legacy Project (2013), Edition: Reprint, 328 pages

Description

Billy Frank Jr. was an early participant in the fight for tribal fishing rights during the 1960s. Roughed up, belittled, and handcuffed on the riverbank, he emerged as one of the most influential Northwest Indians in modern history. His efforts helped bring about the 1974 ruling by Federal Judge George H. Boldt affirming Northwest tribal fishing rights and allocating half the harvestable catch to them. Today, he continues to support Indian country and people by working to protect salmon and restore the environment. Where the Salmon Run tells the life story of Billy Frank Jr., from his father's influential tales, through the difficult and contentious days of the Fish Wars, to today. Based on extensive interviews with Billy, his family, close advisors, as well as political allies and former foes, and the holdings of Washington State's cultural institutions, we learn about the man behind the legend, and the people who helped him along the way.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Gwendydd
This is a biography of Billy Frank Jr., a Nisqually Indian who fought for Native American rights. In particular, he was instrumental in a major battle in the 1970s between Native Americans and the state of Washington over fishing rights. The treaty between Washington and Native Americans says that
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 that Native Americans can fish in their accustomed places along Washington rivers, but racist white people accused Native Americans of being the reason salmon populations were declining. Of course, habitat degradation, pollution, and industrial fishing are the reason salmon runs collapsed, but it was easier to blame Indians. Frank organized "fish-ins", where he and other Native Americans would fish on land that used to be theirs. These often turned violent, as the Department of Natural Resources would send armed cops to arrest them. This battle went on for many years before the courts eventually decided in favor of the tribes. After winning that battle, Frank continued to fight for Native American rights and for conservation of natural resources. He eventually helped to broker a treaty between the US and Canada to regulate coastal salmon fishing.

This is a pretty straightforward biography, discussing his struggles with alcoholism, his family relationships, and his personality. He is a very important figure in Native American history.
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Pages

328

ISBN

9780295993409

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