Lavina Washines was born April 1, 1940, and passed away June 2, 2011. Mom will be remembered for the kindness she gave to everyone, her dedication to helping people, her huge heart, determination, and confidence. Mom's open-mindedness earned her a great deal of respect. She was a very caring friend and was always there for her children and grandchildren. She loved to do bead work, go digging, pick huckleberries, sing in long houses, and attend medicine dances.
Lavina was a woman of principle. She had strong beliefs and stood by them. The teachings of her elders were always important to her and she found joy in passing that knowledge on to others. She kept Yakama traditions alive through her words of wisdom.
She was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a determined advocate for the tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty. Lavina worked for the Yakama Nation for over 40 years. She served as a Tribal judge for several years. She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
She is survived by her children Jeffrey S. McDonald, Tee Boyazh, Travis Boyazh, Latoya Johnson, Victoria Washines, and Lavina Rodriguez; many grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She will also be missed by numerous friends, extended family, and by all Yakama members.
+++
TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Lavina Washines, the first woman to head the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, died Thursday, according to friends and family.
Washines, who battled cancer in recent years, was a respected elder of the Kah-milt-pah, known as the Rock Creek band from an area south of Goldendale along the Columbia River.
The teachings of her elders were always important to Washines, who was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a tireless advocate for her tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty.
She was first elected to the Tribal Council for a two-year term in 1985, returning to serve a four-year term in 1989 and again in 2004. Two years later, fellow Tribal Council members elected her the first chairwoman of the 14-member council.
In that role, Washines oversaw the daily business of the 10,000-member tribe, which includes a sawmill in White Swan and a casino in Toppenish.
After her stint as chairwoman ended in late 2008, she remained on the council until her death.
Although strongly rooted in her traditional culture, Washines understood the importance of a good working relationship with non-Indians on the 1.2 million-acre reservation.
But she always hoped that non-Indians would appreciate what Indians gave up when treaties were signed. "Because at one time, everything belonged to the native people," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in an April 2007 interview.
Washines had a lighter side. Amid old photos in her office of the once great Columbia River fishing and trading hub known as Celilo Falls were shots of rock-n-roll icon Elvis Presley. "That's my love up there," she laughingly explained.
Her generosity was well known.
Julian Pinkham, a longtime friend, once recalled that she would readily open her wallet to the less fortunate. "People come in her office with heartache stories -- need gas money or something -- she's not afraid to pull out her purse," Pinkham said.
As a youngster, Washines worked in the fields and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley. She went on to earn a GED in the mid-1950s.
"I was taught by my elders to always work for what I want. And I live by that."
+++++
TOPPENISH, Wash. — Family and friends of the first woman in history to lead the Yakama Nation Tribal Council will begin ceremonies today to lay her to rest.
Lavina Washines, 71, of Toppenish, died Thursday.
A dressing service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Wapato Longhouse, and then her body will be taken for overnight services to the Rock Creek Longhouse along the Columbia River just south of Goldendale. She will be buried at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Blackwolf Cemetery at Rock Creek.
Washines served on the Tribal Council in the 1980s and was again elected in 2004. In 2006, she became the first woman to chair the 14-member council — a post she held for two years.
After serving as chairwoman, she remained on the council until her death.
Lavina was a woman of principle. She had strong beliefs and stood by them. The teachings of her elders were always important to her and she found joy in passing that knowledge on to others. She kept Yakama traditions alive through her words of wisdom.
She was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a determined advocate for the tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty. Lavina worked for the Yakama Nation for over 40 years. She served as a Tribal judge for several years. She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
She is survived by her children Jeffrey S. McDonald, Tee Boyazh, Travis Boyazh, Latoya Johnson, Victoria Washines, and Lavina Rodriguez; many grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She will also be missed by numerous friends, extended family, and by all Yakama members.
+++
TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Lavina Washines, the first woman to head the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, died Thursday, according to friends and family.
Washines, who battled cancer in recent years, was a respected elder of the Kah-milt-pah, known as the Rock Creek band from an area south of Goldendale along the Columbia River.
The teachings of her elders were always important to Washines, who was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a tireless advocate for her tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty.
She was first elected to the Tribal Council for a two-year term in 1985, returning to serve a four-year term in 1989 and again in 2004. Two years later, fellow Tribal Council members elected her the first chairwoman of the 14-member council.
In that role, Washines oversaw the daily business of the 10,000-member tribe, which includes a sawmill in White Swan and a casino in Toppenish.
After her stint as chairwoman ended in late 2008, she remained on the council until her death.
Although strongly rooted in her traditional culture, Washines understood the importance of a good working relationship with non-Indians on the 1.2 million-acre reservation.
But she always hoped that non-Indians would appreciate what Indians gave up when treaties were signed. "Because at one time, everything belonged to the native people," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in an April 2007 interview.
Washines had a lighter side. Amid old photos in her office of the once great Columbia River fishing and trading hub known as Celilo Falls were shots of rock-n-roll icon Elvis Presley. "That's my love up there," she laughingly explained.
Her generosity was well known.
Julian Pinkham, a longtime friend, once recalled that she would readily open her wallet to the less fortunate. "People come in her office with heartache stories -- need gas money or something -- she's not afraid to pull out her purse," Pinkham said.
As a youngster, Washines worked in the fields and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley. She went on to earn a GED in the mid-1950s.
"I was taught by my elders to always work for what I want. And I live by that."
+++++
TOPPENISH, Wash. — Family and friends of the first woman in history to lead the Yakama Nation Tribal Council will begin ceremonies today to lay her to rest.
Lavina Washines, 71, of Toppenish, died Thursday.
A dressing service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Wapato Longhouse, and then her body will be taken for overnight services to the Rock Creek Longhouse along the Columbia River just south of Goldendale. She will be buried at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Blackwolf Cemetery at Rock Creek.
Washines served on the Tribal Council in the 1980s and was again elected in 2004. In 2006, she became the first woman to chair the 14-member council — a post she held for two years.
After serving as chairwoman, she remained on the council until her death.
Lavina Washines was born April 1, 1940, and passed away June 2, 2011. Mom will be remembered for the kindness she gave to everyone, her dedication to helping people, her huge heart, determination, and confidence. Mom's open-mindedness earned her a great deal of respect. She was a very caring friend and was always there for her children and grandchildren. She loved to do bead work, go digging, pick huckleberries, sing in long houses, and attend medicine dances.
Lavina was a woman of principle. She had strong beliefs and stood by them. The teachings of her elders were always important to her and she found joy in passing that knowledge on to others. She kept Yakama traditions alive through her words of wisdom.
She was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a determined advocate for the tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty. Lavina worked for the Yakama Nation for over 40 years. She served as a Tribal judge for several years. She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
She is survived by her children Jeffrey S. McDonald, Tee Boyazh, Travis Boyazh, Latoya Johnson, Victoria Washines, and Lavina Rodriguez; many grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She will also be missed by numerous friends, extended family, and by all Yakama members.
+++
TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Lavina Washines, the first woman to head the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, died Thursday, according to friends and family.
Washines, who battled cancer in recent years, was a respected elder of the Kah-milt-pah, known as the Rock Creek band from an area south of Goldendale along the Columbia River.
The teachings of her elders were always important to Washines, who was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a tireless advocate for her tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty.
She was first elected to the Tribal Council for a two-year term in 1985, returning to serve a four-year term in 1989 and again in 2004. Two years later, fellow Tribal Council members elected her the first chairwoman of the 14-member council.
In that role, Washines oversaw the daily business of the 10,000-member tribe, which includes a sawmill in White Swan and a casino in Toppenish.
After her stint as chairwoman ended in late 2008, she remained on the council until her death.
Although strongly rooted in her traditional culture, Washines understood the importance of a good working relationship with non-Indians on the 1.2 million-acre reservation.
But she always hoped that non-Indians would appreciate what Indians gave up when treaties were signed. "Because at one time, everything belonged to the native people," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in an April 2007 interview.
Washines had a lighter side. Amid old photos in her office of the once great Columbia River fishing and trading hub known as Celilo Falls were shots of rock-n-roll icon Elvis Presley. "That's my love up there," she laughingly explained.
Her generosity was well known.
Julian Pinkham, a longtime friend, once recalled that she would readily open her wallet to the less fortunate. "People come in her office with heartache stories -- need gas money or something -- she's not afraid to pull out her purse," Pinkham said.
As a youngster, Washines worked in the fields and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley. She went on to earn a GED in the mid-1950s.
"I was taught by my elders to always work for what I want. And I live by that."
+++++
TOPPENISH, Wash. — Family and friends of the first woman in history to lead the Yakama Nation Tribal Council will begin ceremonies today to lay her to rest.
Lavina Washines, 71, of Toppenish, died Thursday.
A dressing service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Wapato Longhouse, and then her body will be taken for overnight services to the Rock Creek Longhouse along the Columbia River just south of Goldendale. She will be buried at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Blackwolf Cemetery at Rock Creek.
Washines served on the Tribal Council in the 1980s and was again elected in 2004. In 2006, she became the first woman to chair the 14-member council — a post she held for two years.
After serving as chairwoman, she remained on the council until her death.
Lavina was a woman of principle. She had strong beliefs and stood by them. The teachings of her elders were always important to her and she found joy in passing that knowledge on to others. She kept Yakama traditions alive through her words of wisdom.
She was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a determined advocate for the tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty. Lavina worked for the Yakama Nation for over 40 years. She served as a Tribal judge for several years. She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
She is survived by her children Jeffrey S. McDonald, Tee Boyazh, Travis Boyazh, Latoya Johnson, Victoria Washines, and Lavina Rodriguez; many grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She will also be missed by numerous friends, extended family, and by all Yakama members.
+++
TOPPENISH, Wash. -- Lavina Washines, the first woman to head the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, died Thursday, according to friends and family.
Washines, who battled cancer in recent years, was a respected elder of the Kah-milt-pah, known as the Rock Creek band from an area south of Goldendale along the Columbia River.
The teachings of her elders were always important to Washines, who was fluent in several Yakama dialects and served as a tireless advocate for her tribe's treaty rights and sovereignty.
She was first elected to the Tribal Council for a two-year term in 1985, returning to serve a four-year term in 1989 and again in 2004. Two years later, fellow Tribal Council members elected her the first chairwoman of the 14-member council.
In that role, Washines oversaw the daily business of the 10,000-member tribe, which includes a sawmill in White Swan and a casino in Toppenish.
After her stint as chairwoman ended in late 2008, she remained on the council until her death.
Although strongly rooted in her traditional culture, Washines understood the importance of a good working relationship with non-Indians on the 1.2 million-acre reservation.
But she always hoped that non-Indians would appreciate what Indians gave up when treaties were signed. "Because at one time, everything belonged to the native people," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in an April 2007 interview.
Washines had a lighter side. Amid old photos in her office of the once great Columbia River fishing and trading hub known as Celilo Falls were shots of rock-n-roll icon Elvis Presley. "That's my love up there," she laughingly explained.
Her generosity was well known.
Julian Pinkham, a longtime friend, once recalled that she would readily open her wallet to the less fortunate. "People come in her office with heartache stories -- need gas money or something -- she's not afraid to pull out her purse," Pinkham said.
As a youngster, Washines worked in the fields and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley. She went on to earn a GED in the mid-1950s.
"I was taught by my elders to always work for what I want. And I live by that."
+++++
TOPPENISH, Wash. — Family and friends of the first woman in history to lead the Yakama Nation Tribal Council will begin ceremonies today to lay her to rest.
Lavina Washines, 71, of Toppenish, died Thursday.
A dressing service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Wapato Longhouse, and then her body will be taken for overnight services to the Rock Creek Longhouse along the Columbia River just south of Goldendale. She will be buried at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Blackwolf Cemetery at Rock Creek.
Washines served on the Tribal Council in the 1980s and was again elected in 2004. In 2006, she became the first woman to chair the 14-member council — a post she held for two years.
After serving as chairwoman, she remained on the council until her death.
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