Xwayamamí Ishích (Eagle's Nest) was founded to create opportunities for growth in our Native community. Traditional practices are still vibrant among some community members. However, compared to the population of people who practiced traditional ways in the past, the need to revitalize these practices is imperative for future generations. Today, we observe incredible resilience in our people every day and a desire in our youth to learn traditional ways.

Our mission is to: encourage, empower, and inspire youth and families to heal and become healthy people physically, emotionally, and spiritually by becoming part of culture and language preservation, education, and experiences which are positive.

The primary programmatic focus of Xwayamamí Ishích is to strengthen our local Native community by providing drug and alcohol free experiences that preserve, protect, and promote Native traditional culture, language, and land resources. Xwayamamí Ishích brings together strong and diverse community members which include youth, parents, elders, and professionals who believe in our mission. As a result, a cohesive community is formed which creates a support system for all who are involved.

Board Members

	Jessica Sutterlict - President & Co-Founder (Winnebago/Santee) - BA American Indian Studies, MESA Coordinator  Jessica Sutterlict (Wah-Kan-Ge-Winga, Good Thunder Woman), holds a BA in American Indian Studies and is working towards a Masters in public health at the University of Washington. She currently works for Memorial Hospital and Children's Village on developing health programs for underserved populations. Residing on the Yakama Nation Reservation, Jessica and her husband wish to create a place for the community to gather and practice their culture.
	Greg Sutterlict - Vice President and Co-Founder (Yakama/Chehalis) - PhD Candidate Linguistics Greg Sutterlict is from the Yakama Nation and the Chehalis tribe. His father was Bennie Sutterlict Jr. and mother Elaine McCloud. He is currently completing a PhD in linguistics at the University of Oregon and is working for Heritage University and Head Start developing and teaching language programs. His goal is to preserve the Sahaptin language of the Yakama people.  When he is not at school he spends time with his wife Jessica Sutterlict, and their three children.
	Lavette Holman - Treasurer (Osage/Shawnee/Cherokee) - J.D., Attorney, Yakima County Lavette Holman is an attorney with Yakima County and has her own law firm just outside the Yakama Reservation. She holds an M.Ed. Counseling specialization from Heritage University and a J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she graduated as a Thomas More Scholar and chaired the Native American Law Student Association. Lavette spends her free time with her son Jasper.
	Heather Simmons-Rigdon - Secretary M.S. Biology, Natural Resource Director Heather Simmons-Rigdon currently works as an Executive Director for a Conservation Non Profit in Yakima.  She worked as a wildlife biologist with the Yakama Nation for almost 5 years on issues of species and habitat management.  She currently resides in Yakima with her husband and two children, working with diverse local organizations on natural resource and community development issues.

Community Advisors

* Winona Wynn (Assinboine/ Ft. Peck Sioux) - PhD, Associate Professor at Heritage University
* Michelle Jacobs (Yakama) - PhD, American Ethnic Studies Professor
* Polly Olsen (Yakama) - BA, University of Washington Indigenous Wellness Institute
* Elise Washines (Yakama), PhD Candidate, University of Oregon
* Haver Jim (Yakama), Student, Heritage University

Community Volunteers

* Virginia Beavert (Yakama) - Elder

* Laurie Houseman-Whitehawk (Winnebago/Santee) - Native Artist
* Roger Jacobs (Yakama) - MS, Yakama Language Specialist
* Steve Rigdon (Yakama) - PhD candidate Bio-Energy

Past Douments

Read our 2010 Annual Report!