Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project Videos
ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe are working with Children of the Setting Sun to develop a series of videos about the Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project. Watch this page and the ArtsWA YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Part I: the Artist
In this video, travel with Haiying from his beginnings in China to the life-changing 2023 phone call that connected him forever to one of Washington’s most beloved and consequential citizens. Produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions, with additional footage by Ray Whitehouse and the Architect of the Capitol.
Part II: the Maquette
In this video, learn why artist Haiying Wu chose to let Billy rest after decades of hard work on the front lines of treaty rights and environmental stewardship. Produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions, with additional footage by Ray Whitehouse and the Architect of the Capitol.
Part III: the Legacy
What defines a legacy? Billy Frank Jr. Day is celebrated every year in early March. The event brings together teachers, students, and Tribal citizens to build trust and recognize Billy’s lasting impact. In this video, travel to Billy Frank Jr. Day 2024 and see how Billy’s legacy and the statue project to honor him is inspiring the next generation. Produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions.
More videos
Maquette reveal
On January 20, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck held a celebration at the Washington State Capitol Building to reveal artist Haiying Wu’s maquette (approximately half-scale model) of the Billy Frank Jr. statue design. Footage provided by TVW.
sčədadxʷ (salmon)
This animated short featuring Billy Frank Jr. takes the viewer up the river through the eyes of the salmon showing its pristine environment; its connection to the Pacific Northwest People; the arrival of the settlers; habitat degradation; the unification of people throughout the world working together to save salmon and salmon habitat.
Celebrating a Washington environmental leader: Billy Frank Jr.
This video from the Department of Ecology explains how Billy Frank Jr. was a leader and inspiration to generations of people, not only in Washington but throughout the nation.
The Boldt Decision Explained
February 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the decision in U.S. v Washington, a federal case that changed the way natural resources are managed in Washington state.
Photos
Visit to Washington, D.C.
In April, 2023, members of the Billy Frank Jr. Committee, ArtsWA, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit Statuary Hall and consult with Michele Cohen, Curator for the Architect of the Capitol.
Visit to Haiying’s studio
In June, 2023, members of the Billy Frank Jr. Committee, ArtsWA, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe visited artist Haiying Wu at his home studio to see the statue’s small-scale model.
Maquette reveal
On January 20, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck held a celebration to reveal artist Haiying Wu’s maquette (approximately half-scale model) of the Billy Frank Jr. statue design.
Governor Inslee’s visit
On June 13, 2024, Governor Jay Inslee visited Haiying Wu’s studio space at South Puget Sound Community College to observe the statue’s progress.
September 2024 workspace visit
On September 5, 2024, Haiying Wu welcomed a group of visitors to his workspace. He spoke about the process of developing the clay model, such as capturing Billy Frank Jr.’s expression and facial features.
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