Timeline
1950
1951
James Simmons born in Oregon, becomes ward of the State of Oregon.
James Simmons born in Oregon, becomes ward of the State of Oregon.
1954
The federal government terminates The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
The federal government terminates The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
1954
Simmons children placed in foster homes.
Simmons children placed in foster homes.
1958
Jimi and some siblings in St. Mary's Home for Boys, Beaverton, Oregon.
Jimi and some siblings in St. Mary's Home for Boys, Beaverton, Oregon.
1960
1962
Jimi in Children's Farm Home
Jimi in Children's Farm Home
1964
Jimi age 13 at The MacLaren School for Boys.
Jimi age 13 at The MacLaren School for Boys.
1969
Released from MacLaren at age 18.
Released from MacLaren at age 18.
1970
1970
Jimi in County jail for theft.
Jimi in County jail for theft.
1971
Oregon State Penitentiary, Jimi with the Indian club.
Oregon State Penitentiary, Jimi with the Indian club.
1972
Jimi Center at Oregon State Penitentiary
Jimi Center at Oregon State Penitentiary
1973
Jimi's boxing name was The Hawk
Jimi's boxing name was The Hawk
1976
Paroled from OSP. Free for less than 100 days.
Paroled from OSP. Free for less than 100 days.
1976
Jimi was incarcerated in Washington, age 25.
Jimi was incarcerated in Washington, age 25.
1977
The Confederated Indian Tribes is sponsored by Phil Lane, Sr. Later it is incorporated as the Brotherhood of American Indians.
The Confederated Indian Tribes is sponsored by Phil Lane, Sr. Later it is incorporated as the Brotherhood of American Indians.
1977
MacLaren sued in class action lawsuit for abusive treatment of minors.
MacLaren sued in class action lawsuit for abusive treatment of minors.
1978
August 11, 1978 The American Indian Religious Freedom Act becomes law. The Brotherhood of American Indians works to establish their right to build a sacred lodge inside the prison walls.
August 11, 1978 The American Indian Religious Freedom Act becomes law. The Brotherhood of American Indians works to establish their right to build a sacred lodge inside the prison walls.
1978
American Indian Child Welfare Act.
American Indian Child Welfare Act.
1979
James and George Simmons are charged with first and second degree murder.
James and George Simmons are charged with first and second degree murder.
1979
The longest lockdown in state history was often in the media.
The longest lockdown in state history was often in the media.
1980
1980
In Hoptowit v. Ray, a federal judge rules confinement at WSP violates the U.S. Constitution.
In Hoptowit v. Ray, a federal judge rules confinement at WSP violates the U.S. Constitution.
1980
John Trudell wrote an open letter to the Indian community asking people to support Indian prisoners.
John Trudell wrote an open letter to the Indian community asking people to support Indian prisoners.
1980
The Simmons Brothers Defense Committee held many events to raise money for defense costs.
The Simmons Brothers Defense Committee held many events to raise money for defense costs.
1980
Red Cedar staged a fundraising concert. Red Cedar was five indigenous musicians including Nilak Butler and Morely Loon.
Red Cedar staged a fundraising concert. Red Cedar was five indigenous musicians including Nilak Butler and Morely Loon.
1981
Activists hold a vigil in Olympia after George Simmons' death.
Activists hold a vigil in Olympia after George Simmons' death.
1981
State Supreme Court rules on shackling issue Simmons v. State of WA.
State Supreme Court rules on shackling issue Simmons v. State of WA.
1981
Moments after hearing the verdict.
Moments after hearing the verdict.
1987
Jimi and Karen are wed in a traditional ceremony.
Jimi and Karen are wed in a traditional ceremony.
1990
1995
Jimi & Karen at Folsom
Jimi & Karen at Folsom
2000
2010
April 13, 2011
Jimi crossed over to the Spirit World
Jimi crossed over to the Spirit World
April 26, 2011
Traditional Ceremony in the Achfa-hammi Grand Ronde Plankhouse. Buried in The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Oregon Cemetary
Traditional Ceremony in the Achfa-hammi Grand Ronde Plankhouse. Buried in The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Oregon Cemetary