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 (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 with Native high school youth and families providing science, math, engineering, and technology enrichment. Residing on 20 acres on the Yakama Nation Reservation Jessica and her husband hope to someday create a place for the community to gather, run, grow native foods, and practice their culture.
	Greg Sutterlict - Vice President (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 in the linguistics PhD program at the University of Oregon with the goal to return to his reservation and help revitalize and preserve the Sahaptin language of the Yakama people.  When he is not at school he spends time with his wife, Xwayamamí Ishích co-founder, Jessica Sutterlict, and their three children.
	Lavette Holman - Treasurer (Osage/ Shawnee/Cherokee) - JD, Associate Attorney Yakama Nation Tribe Lavette is an tribal attorney with her own law firm in Yakima, WA. A Shawnee/Cherokee/Osage, she resides 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 likes to spends her free time with her son.
	Heather Simmons-Rigdon - Secretary MS Biology, Natural Resource Program Manager Heather currently works as a Natural Resource program coordinator in Yakima.  She worked as a wildlife biologist with the Yakama Nation for almost 5 years working on issues of wetland conservation and species management.  She has given multiple presentations and field workshops with elementary classes.  She currently resides in Yakima working with diverse local organizations on natural resource and community development issues.

Community Advisors

*Winona Wynn (Assinboine/ Ft. Peck Sioux) - PhD, Associate Professor and Department Chair of English and Humanities Department at Heritage University
*Michelle Jacobs (Yakama) - PhD, American Ethnic Studies Professor
*Polly Olsen (Yakama) - BA, UW Indigenous Wellness Institute
*Elise Washines (Yakama) BS - BA, Heritage University Faculty
*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