Boldt Decision
In several one-sided treaties imposed by Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens, local Native Americans were promised they would at least retain their accustomed fishing rights, particularly for salmon -- a primary food source for generations. Those rights were repeatedly violated, and federal policy sought to erase Indian culture after passage of the Dawes Severalty Act in 1887.
After years of having their fishing rights slowly whittled away by state regulations, the tribes took a cue from the civil rights movement of the mid-twentieth century and began publicizing their plight through peaceful protest. Their primary tactic was fish-ins, where salmon were caught without state permits. Even actor Marlon Brando joined in to help the cause, as did comedian Dick Gregory, and the fight for rights made national news.
In 1970 the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit in federal court to stop Washington state from preventing or restricting Native American tribes "from taking fish at their usual and accustomed places," as guaranteed by the treaties. Native American fishing rights were reaffirmed by the Boldt Decision on February 12, 1974.
The struggle did not end there, and people like Billy Frank Jr., Joe DeLaCruz, Bernie Whitebear, Bernie Gobin, U.S. Representative Lloyd Meeds, attorney Tim Weaver, and many more have helped champion the cause. After the Boldt Decision, treaty rights were further reaffirmed with the resumption of Makah whaling in 1999, and were extended to shellfish on February 15, 2000.
Bold as Love
On February 12, 1968, Jimi Hendrix performed a homecoming concert at the Seattle Center Arena, his first local appearance since becoming a rock star. Born and raised in Seattle, Hendrix got his start performing with teenage dance combos in local venues. After a brief stint in the army and tours backing, among others, Little Richard, Hendrix became an overnight sensation after his psychedelic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.
At his return concert, Hendrix's family and old friends were seated in the front row. KJR radioman Pat O'Day welcomed the near-capacity crowd, and after British band Soft Machine played its opening act, Hendrix and his band came on stage to a roaring ovation. They performed nine songs in what was described as an "avalanche of sound"' that overwhelmed the venue.
Less than seven months later, Hendrix returned to Seattle again, this time to play at the larger and acoustically superior Seattle Center Coliseum. He and his band played there again in May 1969, and on July 26, 1970, Hendrix played his final Seattle show, headlining an outdoor concert at Sicks' Stadium. By this time, his busy schedule -- often fueled by liquor and barbiturates -- had taken its toll, and he died two months later.
