Frank Tyro honored for 40 years in education, film production
Beau Biggs photo
Frank Tyro embraces long-time coworker Julie Cajune who helped organize a surprise event honoring him for his many contributions to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Salish Kootenai College through his filmmaking career.
Beau Biggs photo
Those in attendance at Frank Tyro’s surprise honoring shared fond stories of working with him over the years.
Beau Biggs photo
Wrapped in a star quilt he was gifted, Frank Tyro shares his gratitude for the opportunity “to spend for 55 years doing something I have loved doing.”
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PABLO — The Salish Kootenai College theater was filled with people hoping to surprise Frank Tyro on Wednesday, March 20.
Julie Cajune, who’s worked with Tyro for many years, organized the event to celebrate Tyro’s 40 years of service in education at SKC through documentary filmmaking and as director of KSKC Public Television. The event was held after Tyro finished 20 films in one year.
“The biggest challenge we had was making sure no one told Frank about the event and making sure we would have enough space to accommodate everyone who showed up,” Cajune said.
Tyro was gifted a star quilt during the celebration and later asked to say a few words. His surprise was evident during his speech. “Well, I thought we were honoring Julie today so I am not prepared,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who came. I can see some familiar faces.”
He explained that he didn’t want to waste the speech he had prepared so he went on to thank Cajune. “I did have a little speech put together so I might as well do that as I try and gather my thoughts a little bit.”
After Tyro’s speech, others came forward to speak. Autumn Adams, Tyro’s daughter, said: “I can remember when I was in high school and sleeping on my dad’s table in the media center because he procrastinated to get (a project) done and had to spend the night to finish it.”
Tyro began working at SKC as a professor in the film department in 1984 and brought public television to the Flathead Reservation in 1987. The years Adams spent at the college around education with her father might have influenced her decision to become a teacher. She finished her speech by saying: “I am super proud of my dad’s work and my students absolutely love the Next Generation video and ask to see it over and over again.”
Another attendee thanked Tyro for the many films he’s created over the years that have both captured history and created joy.
Tyro seemed humbled by the attention. “I feel like what I have accomplished is not just my success,” he said. “There are so many people who deserve credit.”
“It is really heartwarming,” he added, “to have so many people come out to show appreciation, and I am just glad I got to spend 55 years doing something I have loved doing.”
Tyro’s work has included films focused on nature, conservation, water rights, polar bears and more.
