People in History they never teach us about: Billy Frank Jr.

Question for all Washingtonians.  Did you learn about Billy Frank Jr. in Washington State History?  I am trying to figure out why they didn't teach us about Billy Frank Jr. during my seventh grade year at Meany Middle School in my Washington State history class.

Courtesy of Ecotrust Blog

We were taught about various tribes throughout the Northwest in a way that implied Native Americans were no longer here.  We spent very little time talking about treaties, or Native American rights.  School never addressed the fact that Washington state policy did not honor 19th century Treaties. It would have been a perfect opportunity to show how one groups actions can have a negative affect on another groups culture.  Not one mention of fish-ins, or supreme court decisions.

"While 19th-century treaties had granted tribes their “usual and accustomed” fishing grounds in return for ceding land, 20th-century state policy was not so accommodating. The state restricted fishing in response to development practices that sharply reduced fish runs, even as commercial and sport fishermen competed with tribes for the diminishing supplies".

Billy Frank Jr. passed away two days ago.  A great man, that should be honored by all.  His-story, should be taught in schools all over this state.  Mr. Franks father fished the Nisqually river before Washington became a state.  What started out with a 14 year old Mr. Frank fighting for the right to fish on the same river years later ended with Mr. Frank spearheading the fight for Tribal rights throughout Washington that went well beyond fishing rights.  Please read the link below.

  http://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/editorials/2157552-8/billy-frank-changed-fish-debate-policy-in-northwest