Tribal Legacy: Willie Frank III on Advancing His Father's Cause

In the latest episode of The American Shoreline Podcast, hosts Peter Ravella and Tyler Buckingham sit down with Willie Frank III, Chairman of the Nisqually Tribal Council. A legacy in his own right, Willie is the son of the legendary Native American activist, Billy Frank Jr. The episode explores the rich history of the Nisqually Tribe, including the pivotal moments of the Fish Wars and the transformative impact of Billy Frank Jr. on tribal rights and environmental activism. Willie Frank III discusses how he’s carrying forward his father's legacy through his own leadership. The conversation also explores the Biden administration's initiatives to involve tribal leadership more closely in governance. Finally, we discuss the far-reaching implications that tribal knowledge could have on tackling the climate crisis. Tune in for an in-depth look at past struggles, current initiatives, and future aspirations through the lens of tribal leadership.