Fish Wars Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

‘Fish War’ documentary highlights tribal leaders’ fight

By Reneé Diaz July 15, 2024

Four people, two men and two women, stand in front of a large screen on a stage. The screen has the words "Fish War" projected on it.

From left to right, Charles Atkinson, Jeff Ostenson, Mary Big Bull-Lewis and Twa-le Abrahamson answer questions from the crowd after the film “Fish War.” (Credit: Reneé Dìaz / NWPB) Listen […]Read More

The Boldt Decision’s impact on Indigenous rights, 50 years later

By NWPB February 13, 2024

Billy Frank Jr., left, a Nisqually tribal elder who was arrested dozens of times while trying to assert his native fishing rights during the Fish Wars of the 1960s and '70s, poses for a photo Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, with Ed Johnstone, of the Quinault tribe, at Frank's Landing on the Nisqually River in Nisqually, Wash. They are holding a photo from the late 1960s of Frank and Don McCloud fishing on the river. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / AP)

The landmark 1974 case ordered Washington to uphold its treaties, affirm Indigenous salmon fishing rights and recognize Native nations’ sovereignty.Read More

Late tribal leader, Billy Frank Jr., honored at Washington capitol

By Lauren Gallup January 12, 2024

Nisqually Tribe Chairman Willie Frank III stands next to the maquette of his father, Billy Frank Jr., in the State Reception Room at the Washington State Capitol, Jan. 10. 2024. (Credit: WA Leg Photography)

Emotions flooded the State Reception Room in Olympia Jan. 10 as tribal leaders, Washington lawmakers, and community members came together to witness the unveiling of the maquette of Billy Frank Jr. The maquette, a smaller replica of a 9-foot tall statue of Frank that will go to the National Statuary Hall collection, honors the late champion for Native American treaty Read More