Part II: The Maquette | Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project 

I can't describe my feelings. I'm thankful to live in the PNW and for seeing the fruition of the hard work of this man, Billie Frank, Jr. As a white kid growing up south of Buffalo, NY, my great uncle took my brother and I to fish on the Cattaraugus Reservation. Uncle Ralph made friends of a Seneca Nation family, and they allowed us access to the river to fish. But a leery eye was cast on us. One time, we were afraid of two burly Seneca men on the river. But they opened their trunk to show us the enormous Rainbows they caught, each literally the length of the trunk. Now, I have a granddaughter who is part Seneca. She is incredibly intuitive. I'm grateful that her schools teach about the salmon, and the tribes continue to grow and teach us all about our connection to the land and its inhabitants. One day, I hope to give her the opportunity to visit Western New York.

Excellent work! This video brought my mentor, Billy Frank Jr., to life in my mind. Thank you so much for this brilliant portrayal.