A member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Billy Frank Jr. was an advocate for environmental stewardship and treaty rights. He paved the way for the Boldt Decision, reaffirming treaty rights in Washington State. He also served as Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the Commission helped 20 Western Washington tribes with fishery management. Celebrated as an outstanding leader, Billy Frank Jr. received numerous awards. These awards include the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, and the Washington State Environmental Excellence Award. Additionally, Billy Frank Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
Billy Frank Jr. passed away in May 2014. You can learn more about his impact here.
Updated on March 5, 2020