Northwest Indians Archives - Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

Listen To The Salmon

Post author:Billy Frank, Jr.
Post published:March 7, 2006
Post category:Being Frank

OLYMPIA, WA (March 7, 2006) — This week I am turning 75 years young—time for me to think about what to do with the next half of my life.

But seriously, everyone who knows me knows I’ll continue to fight, to the last breath, to help restore salmon to the rivers of the Pacific Northwest—at harvestable levels. If I am remembered by anyone in future generations, let it be as a fisherman.

Cutting back our fisheries so sharply over the past quarter century to protect declining runs has been painful to Northwest Indians. The salmon’s decline has in no way been the fault of the tribes, but because our historic roots run so deep here we feel an ongoing responsibility, to our ancestors and the generations to come, to help solve the problem.

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Caring for the American Village

Post author:Billy Frank, Jr.
Post published:September 21, 2005
Post category:Being Frank

OLYMPIA (September 21, 2005) — When Katrina swept over the southern U.S., leaving tens of thousands of people homeless in its wake a few weeks ago, tribes across the country swung into gear to help provide whatever relief and support they could to our brothers and sisters in the South.

The National Congress of American Indians organized a nationwide fund-raising effort. The National Indian Gaming Association, coordinating with NCAI through its Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation, committed to raising a minimum of $1 million for the cause. The Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin dispatched fire crews to fight fires, distribute food and unload trucks. Dozens of other tribes throughout the country have raised tens of thousands of dollars, sent school supplies, opened tribal homes, tribal buildings and even casinos to help shelter refugees and support aid programs. The Fort Belknap Tribes of Montana even committed to send the meat of 10 bison to the demolished region. Numerous Northwest Tribes and tribal organizations such as the Potlatch Foundation in Seattle, Salmon Homecoming and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians are also pitching in as best they can, with funding, direct support and prayer ceremonies. Just as they have consistently done over the years, tribal members have readily stepped forward to help ease the suffering of the needy.

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