Submitted by Nisqually Indian Tribe
Final work is underway on the clay model of Nisqually leader and treaty rights activist Billy Frank Jr. Over the next few weeks, renowned sculptor Haiying Wu will complete the final details on the full-scale clay model. ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe have partnered with South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) to provide public access to Haiying’s workspace on the SPSCC campus from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe strongly encourage visitors to take advantage of this opportunity to see history in action.
“My father taught me patience,” said Willie Frank III, the son of Billy Frank Jr. “I see this next year leading up to the installation of his statue in our nation’s Capitol as an opportunity to share his teachings. He taught us patience, love for his family and community. Finally, he taught us the love of knowing and using the language and power of the treaties given to us by our ancestors. He was always bringing people together and that’s what we need now.”
ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe also debuted the third and latest entry in a video series about the statue project, produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions. The video, titled “Part III: The Legacy”, centers on Billy Frank Jr. Day and the ongoing resonance and impact of Billy’s life. All three videos are viewable for free on ArtsWA’s website and YouTube channel:
Billy Frank Jr., born on March 9, 1931, was a Nisqually tribal member and treaty rights activist. He fought tirelessly to ensure that the United States government would honor the promises made in the treaties with Washington tribes. His unwavering commitment to the fight against racism and abuse has had global influence. In 2015, he was posthumously awarded the presidential medal of freedom by President Barack Obama.
Learn more about this project on the ArtsWA website.
About Nisqually Indian Tribe
The Nisqually Indian Tribe is a sovereign nation located on the Nisqually River with more than 800 enrolled tribal members. The tribe employs 1,500 tribal and non-tribal people in government and its enterprises under their Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation. The tribe has worked to protect and restore the land throughout their traditional territory from Mount Rainier to the mouth of the Nisqually River and continue to do that work just as Billy Frank Jr. did throughout his life. For more information, visit the Nisqually Indian Tribe website.
About ArtsWA
ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission, a state government agency established in 1961. ArtsWA works to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. Programs include Art in Public Places, Arts in Education, Grants to Organizations, and other special projects. For more information, visit the ArtsWA website.