Billy Frank Jr. was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Common Cause Award for Human Rights Efforts, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the American Indian Distinguished Service Award, the 2006 Wallace Stegner Award and the Washington State Environmental Excellence Award. But around here, he was known as a fierce defender of tribal fishing rights and the greater battle for the protection of Indian treaty rights. On August 19, 2024, the Port of Olympia further honored Billy Frank Jr. with a ceremony showcasing newly installed interpretive signs along the downtown Billy Frank Jr. trail.
This informative signage highlights his life and work, the Squaxin Island Tribe, native plant facts, the life cycle of regional salmon and commemorates both Squaxin and Nisqually Tribal canoe landings.
New Port of Olympia Memorial Billy Frank Jr. Trail Signs Educate, Inform and Inspire
The ceremony, a collaboration between the Port and the Squaxin Island Tribe, spotlights a series of newly installed signs and educational kiosks in Port Peninsula’s Northpoint district. Executive Director Alex Smith says the event featured opening historical remarks from Port Commissioner Bob Iyall, address by Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman Kris Peters and a heartfelt tribal blessing and drum ceremony.
“We have so much respect for the rich history and contributions of the Indigenous tribes in our region, and especially for the leadership of Billy Frank Jr.,” says Smith. “With this installation, we hope to show both our gratitude and our commitment to honoring his legacy as we strive to preserve and protect the environmental resources in our community.”
Billy Frank Jr’s Lasting Thurston County Legacy Honored Along our Iconic Waterfront
Camille St. Onge, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Commission Affairs for the Port, coordinates and monitors implementation of their strategic plan as well as overseeing a few of their priority projects.
St. Onge says that the Port’s commission worked with the Squaxin Island Tribe and members of the Frank family to bring this project to life. She appreciates how it echoes the national trend of “a growing emphasis on respecting tribal sovereignty and supporting Native-led initiatives for land, environmental and cultural preservation. This movement signifies a broader commitment to reconciliation, respect and inclusion of Native American voices in the national narrative.”
She explains that Billy Frank Jr. fought for more than just fishing rights for Puget Sound’s Native American community. “His legacy is celebrated also for his broader impact on environmental policy,” says St. Onge. “His life’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, community and the environment, making him a revered national icon.”
From Salmon to Statuary Hall, Billy Frank Jr. Lives On
It’s not just Western Washington that recognizes the important work of Billy Frank Jr. In 2021, our state legislature passed a bill sending a statue of Frank to the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. The statue, by artist Haiying Wu, is currently set to be installed in 2025. Approximately three million visitors from around the world visit the building annually.
From July 13 through August 25, 2024, the Washington State History Museum hosted the Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project in displaying a maquette, or half-scale statue study, of the final project. The final statue joins a collection featuring two sculptures of notable Americans from every state.
Until then, head downtown and experience this informative new exhibit. While there, visit the Billy Frank Jr. Trail which stretches from the corner of East Bay Drive and Olympia Avenue all the way to the Billy Frank Jr. Park at NorthPoint, near KGY Radio. There the shoreline welcomes residents and tourists alike to take in the views of Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.
While planning your visit, check out the Port’s other beautiful public walking and running trails, community plazas, museums, science centers, golf driving range, batting cages and of course the Olympia Farmer’s Market.
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