Inslee statement on death of Bill James, hereditary chief of the Lummi Nation

By Lin McNulty|2020-06-04T16:28:40-07:00June 4th, 2020|4 Comments

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— from Governor Jay Inslee —

Trudi and I join Bill’s family, the Lummi community and all Coast Salish nations in mourning the loss of Chief Tsi’li’xw (Bill James).

Bill was a teacher of all and was a gentle, yet strong voice for the Lummi people. He holds a place alongside other transformative tribal leaders that preceded him in death such as Billy Frank Jr., Stan Jones Sr. and many others.

Bill helped young people in tribal communities to have a deeper connection to their ancestry and their cultures. He raised awareness of native art and language and his legacy will live on for generations.

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About the Author: Lin McNulty

Lin has been working on a novel for over 20 years. Working/owning theOrcasonian ensures that she won't ever finish the novel. That may be intentional.

4 Comments

Gretchen Krampf June 4, 2020 at 5:22 pm

A sad day for the Lummi Nation as they mourn this passing. Such an incredible leader and fine fellow, to so many. Holding all in heart and mind
Michael Riordan June 4, 2020 at 5:24 pm

Bill was the cultural leader of the Lummi Nation, spearheading the tribal efforts to revive their native tongue. He was also a central figure in the Nation’s opposition to the Gateway Pacific Coal terminal, coming to Orcas Island several times that I can vividly remember, often leading a prayer in the Lummi language before meetings.

Huge, huge shoes to fill.
Anita Holladay June 4, 2020 at 7:34 pm

I am so very sorry to hear of this great man’s passing. The statement by our governor, and the other comments, are respectful tributes, but don’t begin to cover all he meant to his own Lummi people and so many others. For more, you can read his bio at HistoryLink.org, and other online sites. Prayers for his family and all those affected by his departure. Services for him being held tomorrow, 10 a.m. at Lummi.
Spirit Eagle June 5, 2020 at 1:38 am

I am so sad to say goodbye to Bill. I met Bill shortly after I called the Lummi Nation to let them know their burial ground (Madrona Point) was about to be desecrated by the owners through development.

I will write an article soon about how I worked with Bill James for the preservation of Madrona Point.

My Heart is heavy tonight.

Spirit Eagle