THE LAST SALMON

A feature film for audiences of all ages.

A young Native boy’s journey unfolds, guided by a wise elder, as he learns the age-old tale of the wild salmon, unlocking a legacy that shapes his destiny, and that of his community.

Adapted from the short story written by Phil Davis.

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Billy Frank Jr. and salmon share a profound connection as symbols of strength and resilience. For him, protecting salmon wasn't just a cause—it was a sacred duty.

Chairman Frank was the leader of the Nisqually Indian Tribe in Washington State. He was a catalyst for tribal fishing rights and environmental conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Most notably, Billy was a key figure in the "Fish Wars," a series of protests and legal battles during the 1960s and 1970s. These efforts ultimately led to the Boldt Decision in 1974, a landmark court case that reaffirmed Native American fishing rights and recognized their entitlement to half of the harvestable fish in the state of Washington.

The Inspiration

Before his passing in 2014, Billy wrote a beautiful foreward for Phil Davis’ short story “The Last Salmon”. He encouraged all young people, parents, and teachers to read it for its messages of hope in a world of apathy. He saw it as a story that could help inspire us all to work together to save the salmon, because he believed deeply that in doing so, we would find the spirit and courage to save ourselves.

Ware forever grateful Billy Frank Jr. and are guided by his legacy.

Our story comes to life with a unique blend of live-action narrative and animated filmmaking. It’s set along the banks of an imaginary river, the Chuketna, where humans and salmon have lived together for millennia. Since colonization and the destructive forces that followed, the fish runs have nearly collapsed, and the people who had been nourished by this lost bounty, resilient as they are, now struggle in a broken world.

The Story

We open at a somber First Salmon Ceremony where the fish have yet to return to the Chuketna River. Elder John shares a magical tale of how one year the first salmon to return was almost the last salmon. It’s this story that comes to life in young Billy’s imagination, launching his own journey, with John as his guide, as he seeks to understand the salmon’s struggles while reconciling losses in his own life. We end at a bittersweet community gathering led by Billy who has found his purpose, and inspired an entire community along the way.

The Producers

Stefany Mathias

“The Last Salmon is an exciting part of the Indigenous rise in the film and television industry. I’m thrilled to be part of bringing it to audiences all over the world; it’s a story everyone can relate to.” MORE
Jane Charles

“Stories stay with us and speak to our hearts. Knowing that this is a critical time for the earth and all of her children, including the salmon, I am honored to be a part of helping shepherd the creation of this important film, based on the beautiful story, ‘The Last Salmon’, by Phil Davis.” MORE
Mark Titus

“The Last Salmon is an elegiac yet joyful portal into the world of salmon through the eyes of a wise-beyond-his years indigenous boy - Billy – named after the late salmon hero, Billy Frank Jr. I am humbled and proud to be a part of this important vision.” MORE
Randy Lewis

“If we are to be judged in the next life, then let it be for trying to save the last salmon.” MORE
Janice Antoine

The story of Billy’s family and the revival of the salmon speaks to my spirit and my connection to the earth which is my power of knowing who I am, my spiritual depth. The Last Salmon is an important story to share.
Phil Davis

“Very fun to be making a movie where we already know that audiences of all ages LOVE the story!” MORE

The Writers

Noelani Auguston

“You wanna save your homelands? We gotta start with salmon. And this film is a start for you!” MORE
Marie Clements

"One of the biggest things for me in this story is resilience; the resilience to return home and to start a cycle again. This film can ignite in people the joy of what's beautiful and simple and profound in our lives." MORE
Hunter Cope

“Writing The Last Salmon was an exciting, illuminating experience that I was humbled to be a part of. It’s a fun, funny, and heartfelt story I’m thrilled to share with the world.” MORE
Phil Davis

“To quote the late Billy Frank Jr, ‘To the degree that we succeed in protecting salmon, we generate the spirit to survive ourselves.’ I firmly believe this film can move us further down this path.”