Speakers

Eileen has a long and illustrious lifetime of work in this movement. She is currently co-founder and organizer for the Elder’s Lodge Sexual Assault Council. She has founded and co-founded several vital, important organizations that continue to thrive such as Mending the Women of Nations, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition and Mending the Sacred Hoop. She has worked in shelters and advocacy programs and brings a wealth of information. She served a consultant and co-author of “Garden of Truth”, the first research of its kind in the US, addressing the prostitution and trafficking of Native Women. She has incredible experience in working directly with criminal, civil and juvenile and tribal courts advocating on behalf of battered women and sexual assault victims. She is the advocates, advocate and continues to be a valuable mentor and teacher to everyone who comes in contact with her. She is a powerful national and international speaker, trainer, and program development specialist. Eileen grew up in Mahnomen, Minnesota, on the White Earth Reservation and has lived in the metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul since 1955. Eileen’s family moved to Minneapolis during the "Relocation" of Native people from their homelands. She has four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Since 1973, she has been an advocate/activist to end violence against women. She has lived at the Elder’s Lodge since 2009.