PROJECT OVERVIEW

Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa was born in 1957 into the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. Ingrid’s Indian name translated to “Flying Eagle Woman.” The raptor was a traditional symbol of war, and Ingrid was a lifelong warrior ~ for peace. Ingrid helped build networks of Indigenous peoples to protect Native cultures and communities from social erasure, economic crises, and environmental destruction. Ingrid, who moved from the Menominee reservation and resided in Brooklyn, NY, was one of three Americans kidnapped and executed in the remote highlands of Colombia by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, while on a mission to help the U’wa tribe set up a school system in February 1999. Ingrid received a full warrior honors at her funeral from the Menominee Nation.

Ingrid is revered as a tireless defender of the rights for Indigenous peoples. Her legacy has inspired the next generation of Indigenous rights activists and leaders, including the Urban Indigenous Collective (UIC). UIC continues to honor the legacy of Ingrid, who had so much more to give, by bringing attention to the scope of violence Indigenous women face. Her life and international contributions are celebrated for being a inspirational thought leader and changemaker impacting Indigenous communities globally. UIC has dedicated the MMIWGT2S NYC+ database in her honor and is committed to carrying on the legacy of Ingrid by creating an organization devoted to centering Indigenous voice and ensuring access to culturally appropriate resources.