Tribal leaders, colleagues and family remember William Arthur "Qual-Lee'-Lah" Black Sr. as a passionate advocate for Indian rights.

Black, a member of the Confederated Confederated Tribes, died last week after a long battle with rheumatoid lung disease. He would have turned 56 yesterday.

As the second Indian to act as superintendent for the Puget Sound Agency, Black was a defender of fishing rights, self-governance and economic development. Tribal leaders said he earned their trust over the years and became a close friend.

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