By Marianne Lincoln

Tonight, I am trying to wrap my brain around the event I just witnessed at the Washington State Historical Museum. This was right up there with the night I was at the museum for the Leschi Exoneration Trial.

I walked in a little late, because I wasn’t off work in time for arrival. Center stage was Ramona Bennett Bill, now a frail 88-year-old, sitting in a chair with a large photo projected over her. She was flanked by John Hughes, chief historian for the Office of the Secretary of State and author of – Lightning Boldt – on her left and Darrell Hillaire on her right.

Bennett Bill has written a memoir, Fighting for the Puyallup Tribe. People present in the room acknowledged this should be mandatory reading for all Washington State history students. She includes memories of her family of boarding schools, fishing rights, the Fish War, the Boldt decision, treaty rights, the red power movement, and more.

The evening discussion included memories of family members past, various life experiences, and some wry and poignant humor from Bennett Bill. She recalled playing “kick the can” with police tear gas cannisters during the fishing wars. She was hit by one and kicked it right back at them, she mused.

Hillarie and Hughes spoke about other tribal members and key players in the Boldt decision and Tribal Conventions. One comment Hughes noted was from an interview of Mason Morrisett, the Tribal lawyer for the fishing rights decision. the Medicine Creek treaty was negotiated in Chinook Jargon, a language that even local natives did not speak that well. “Unfortunately, Chinook Jargon has no word for bullshit,” is the quote Hughes attributed to Morrisett.

To add to the atmosphere, a few tribal members provided drumming at the end and wore native fashion. I call it that as it is common to tribal members, but not full regalia like they have at Pow Wow events.

Many stood in line afterward to have her sign their copies of the book. I merely shook her hand and thanked her – for the presentation, the book, her efforts, and for still being around to tell us about it.

A magical night and a woman who bold enough to take the chance to make change.