Robert Satiacum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Satiacum
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| Born | 1929 Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | March 25, 1991 (aged 61–62) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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| Occupation | Tribal leader |
Robert "Bob" Satiacum (1929–March 25, 1991) was an important leader of the Puyallup people. He worked hard to protect the fishing rights of Native American tribes in the United States.
Contents
Who Was Robert Satiacum?
Robert Satiacum was a respected leader from the Puyallup Tribe. He spent much of his life fighting for the rights of his people, especially their right to fish. These rights were promised in old treaties.
Early Life and Education
Bob Satiacum was born in 1929. He grew up in Tacoma, Washington. In 1947, he graduated from Lincoln High School. He was known as a great athlete during his school years.
Fighting for Fishing Rights
Satiacum first became known to the public in 1954. This happened when he was arrested for fishing in the Puyallup River without permission. He was found guilty, but the court later said he was not. This started many years of legal battles over fishing rights.
Bob Satiacum and his supporters held "fish-ins." These were protests where they would fish to show their treaty rights. Famous people, like actor Marlon Brando, even joined him. Brando was arrested during a protest with Satiacum on March 2, 1964. Satiacum was not arrested that day, but he was asked to appear in court later.
The Boldt Decision
All these efforts led to a very important court decision. It was called the Boldt Decision. This decision said that treaties signed in the 1850s gave Native American tribes the right to half of all the fish caught. This was a huge victory for tribal fishing rights.
Helping Create Cultural Centers
In the 1970s, Satiacum was also a key figure in an event at Seattle's Fort Lawton. This event helped create the United Indians of All Tribes. This group later helped establish the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. This center is a place for Native American culture and education.
Later Life and Passing
Robert Satiacum passed away on March 25, 1991. He died from a heart attack in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was a strong voice for his people throughout his life.
