IN MEMORY OF
Ingrid Washinawatok

Just after the spring issue of NFG Reports went to press, we learned the terrible news that our cherished friend and colleague, Ingrid Washinawatok, was kidnapped and murdered. It happened as Ingrid, a member of the Menominee Nation, was traveling in Colombia with Lahe’ena’e Gay of the Pacific Cultural Conservancy International, and Terence Freitas, an activist in the cause of indigenous people’s rights. The purpose of their visit was to support the work of the U’wa people in Colombia. 

That Ingrid was engaged in good works when this horrific thing happened comes as no surprise to anyone who knew her. As director of the Fund of the Four Directions, board chair of Native Americans in Philanthropy and of the Indian Community House in Manhattan, among other affiliations, Ingrid brought an intelligent and passionate spirit to her work. While she was highly dedicated to her many human rights efforts, Ingrid was also a woman who knew how to have fun. Her humor and warmth instantly filled any room she entered. A lasting impression for many of us who attended the Hispanics in Philanthropy party at the 1997 COF conference in Honolulu is Ingrid dancing joyfully to salsa music. 

To honor Ingrid’s work, her family has established a memorial fund in partnership with the Fund of the Four Directions, called the “Flying Eagle Woman” Fund for Peace and Justice. Plans are underway to establish a scholarship fund for Ingrid’s 14-year-old son, Maeh-kiw El-Issa. To contribute to the Flying Eagle Woman Fund or for information on the scholarship fund, please contact the Fund of the Four Directions, 8 West 40th Street, Suite 1610, New York, NY 10018; 212-768-1430, ext 17. Please make all checks payable to the Flying Eagle Woman Fund.

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