So I am honored to be Nominated for the #SCSU INGRID WASHINAWATOK EL-ISSA SERVICE AWARD. When I read her story I was amazed at such valor. She was AMAZING and I am humbled by being recognized in her honor. Ingrid Washinawatok El- Issa (1957-1999), a sister, hero, and warrior of all times. A member of the Menominee Nation, Ingrid Opetaw Metaehmoh (Flying Eagle Woman) Washinawatok El- Issa was among the most promising Native American leaders of her generation. As activist, writer, public speaker, educator, and director of a philanthropic foundation (Fund for Four Directions), she dedicated her life to the cause of Indigenous peoples around the world. A devoted mother and wife, Ingrid was also a prominent leader of the 36,000-member Native American community of New York City, co-founder of Indigenous Womens Network and chair of the Indigenous Caucus in the UN. She was, too, a recipient of numerous awards and honors. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum calls Ingrid her sister, mentor, and teacher, and to Noeli Pocaterra, elder, leader, and former Vice President of the National Assembly , Venezuela , Ingrid is her leader. In February 1999, she visited the Uwa Indians of Colombia with two companions, Laheenae Gay and Terrence Freitas, in order to establish an Indigenous education program for Uwa children. As Ingrid and her companions were leaving to return home, they were kidnapped on their way to the airport and killed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) eight days later, on March 4, 1999. The world, Indigenous and beyond, mourns deeply the loss of Ingrid-that mourning has now turned into all forms of celebration of Ingrids life, work, and legacy. The establishment of this memorial service award is, indeed, a celebration of work and service to the world. With this award, we help keep her spirit alive. We invite nominations.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 12:17:09 +0000
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