About Me

Creator, thank you for the Elders.  Help me this day to listen to them.

Lisa is a Nez Perce descendant of Chief Joseph and an enrolled tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and spent her summers traveling with family to the Nez Perce Reservation, where she learned traditional ways and formed lasting connections to her culture. Some of her fondest memories include time in her family’s sweat house and dancing the Fancy Dance in regalia handmade by her aunt.

Family remains central to Lisa’s life. She treasures the beaded jewelry gifted by her aunts and cousins, many of whom still live on both reservations, and continues to grow her collection by supporting Native artists at powwows she attends throughout the year with her mother, two daughters, grandson, and many friends.

Lisa enjoys attending cultural lessons, including sewing and beading classes, with her Native relatives across the Chicagoland area. Many of the ribbon skirts she wears are hand sewn by her, along with the feather fan case she carries to events. While visiting the Nez Perce Reservation, elder women invited her to join their weaving class, welcoming her into their circle to share dinner and fellowship. She hopes to learn leatherworking in the future, continuing a skill her father once practiced. When you see Lisa at an event, don’t be shy to stop and chat with her.