Resources

Past Presentation

NW Elders ECHO | August 9th, 2022

Date of Presentation: August 9, 2022

The Northwest Elders and Knowledge Keepers ECHO session took place on August 14th, 2022. In this presentation, faculty panel member Atwice Kamiakun provides an overview of her personal story, giving relevant historical context and describing various cultural teachings and traditions she holds dear.

The faculty panel members for this session of the Northwest Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Culture Keepers ECHO includes:

  • Jesse Beers – Cultural Stewardship Manager for CTCLUSI
  • Karin Dean – Behavioral Health Program Coordinator for NPAIHB
  • Tanya Firemoon – NW Elders ECHO Program Coordinator for NPAIHB
  • Dolores Jimerson – Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor for NPAIHB
  • Atwice Kamaikun – Cultural Coordinator for the Yakama Nation
  • Marilyn Scott – Tribal Chair for the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Recording:

Presented by:

Atwice Kamiakun

Atwice Kamiakun was raised on the banks of the Columbia River at the thousands-year old, Celilo Falls, OR where her P’cha, Father, Atway St. Sgt. Matthew Goudy, Sr. was a fisherman and her Ithla, Mother, Atway Nancy Wak-Wak (Pinaxtamnay) Barron raised six children. She lived there until March of 1957 when the Dalles Dam inundated her home and they moved to Toppenish, WA.

Her education includes: graduate, Toppenish Sr. High. Attended: Draughon’s Business College, Dallas, Tx, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Co; Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, Heritage University, Toppenish, WA and University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. Major(s) CPS, Business, Political Science and Sahaptin.

Her four children reside in Fort Hall, ID and Fort Washakie, WY and she has ten grandchildren. All have received their Ichishkin Wanikt, (Indian Name) which is very important to her.

Her occupations have varied from top-level security clearance at the Idaho Energy Nuclear Labs, to a lender at a National Bank. Her favorite position was with the Sho-Ban School in Fort Hall, ID where it is said that she “built the School!” Presently, she is the Cultural Coordinator for the Systems of Care Grant, Yakama Nation and is married to a “real” Chief, Wilfred Espawas Redthunder, Nez Perce. He is a direct descendant (great grandson) of Chief Joseph.

Resources Provided:

Date added: August 9, 2022