About Me

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

Lisa is a direct descendant of Chief Joseph. She is Nez Perce and an enrolled 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 Native relatives throughout 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.

Her heritage remains a guiding part of her life, shaping her commitment to learning, practicing, and sharing Native traditions with her family and community. Whether attending powwows, supporting Native artists, or continuing to learn traditional skills, Lisa values every opportunity to stay connected to her culture. If you see her at an event, feel free to stop and say hello. She always enjoys meeting new people and sharing stories.