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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2001

After 27 years of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bill Black has finally retired.

A member of the Okanogan Tribe based on the Colville Reservation in Washington, Black has seen it all. During the turbulent 70s, when tribes in the Pacific Northwest were winning back their fishing rights, Black's office was bombed.

Back when self-determination less of a dream and more of a policy, Black is revered for championing tribal control. His staff has gone down from 80 to 12 over the years, which he views as a good indicator of tribes taking over jobs the BIA used to do.

One of his greatest achivements was helpoing the Puyallup Tribe of Washington settle a $90 million land claim.

Black retired due to an illness and was celebrated at a party last week. He has trouble breathing and medication causes his hands to shake.

Get the Story:
A man for all tribes (The Everett Herald 10/15)