Wonderful Women Wednesdays

A Social Media Interview Series featuring Wonderful Women who are making a difference in the world for seven generations ahead.

I first met Terrellyn Fearn up in Oshawa, Ontario during Super Sixes this past October. She gave a speech to team Haudenosaunee about the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and along with that speech she gave us red shirts that represented the cause. Her speech was heartwarming and left me with chills. She spoke with so much pride and genuineness that you could feel her feelings. I knew that she carried so much love with her wherever she went and from then I wanted to learn more about her.

Terrellyn Fearn grew up steeped in the rich tapestry of her Indigenous and Irish heritage. Raised within the traditional lineage of the Mi'kmaq people and intertwined with Irish roots, Terrellyn's upbringing was a fusion of cultures that shaped her worldview from an early age. From her grandmothers, one of Mi'kmaq descent and the other Irish, Terrellyn learned the profound connection between people and the land. They instilled in her a reverence for Mother Earth, teaching her that we are all interconnected through the waterways that flow across the landscape. Terrellyn was fortunate to grow up with both of her grandmothers to help raise her and show her what a loving environment looks like. Regardless of the different backgrounds of people, she realized that we are all one and can be connected by love. 

These foundational teachings formed the bedrock of Terrellyn's approach to fostering positive change and healing throughout her career. As the Co-Director of the Turtle Island Institute, she champions the idea that decolonization is a collective endeavor. We must look inward and inside our circle to make changes outside ourselves. By doing this work, she reinterprets relationships and actions through an Indigenous lens. 

When Terrellyn was 26 she began her healing path, this was a particular part in her journey that she remembers was the most impactful. She attended a workshop, led by an Anishnabee woman, that discussed the impacts of alcoholism on families. In this workshop, she gained profound insights into her upbringing and sought to break cycles of trauma while nurturing the positive aspects of her heritage. But over everything, she learned how to not focus on the hard things from her past but instead nurture what she learned from those things to help her grow. 

In 2004, Terrellyn established Spirit Moon Consulting, guided by a vision she received in a dream. Over the years, the organization has evolved, and throughout this process, Terrellyn has learned that when you trust and move in alignment with creation, the ancestors will help guide you to your path. With the evolution of Spirit Moon Consulting, Terrellyn's interactions with the young people have left a lasting impression on her, emphasizing the power of vulnerability and connection in healing. However, in this process, she has also left a lasting impact on the youth as well. 

Terellyn is always doing what she can to help those around her. Whether it is giving back to the youth in her community, traveling to other territories to help others with their ceremonies, supporting the Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Group, or being a full-time mom. She is constantly giving back to those around her.

Throughout her journey, Terrellyn has navigated obstacles and setbacks with resilience and inner strength. She emphasizes the importance of tending to one's own spirit, recognizing that personal healing is essential for creating sustained positive change in the world. By walking with integrity and compassion, individuals can contribute to transformative change within their communities. 

Terrellyn Fearn is one of the most grounded individuals I have enjoyed conversing with. She’s the type of person who makes you feel seen and not afraid to hide parts of yourself because she creates a safe space filled with positivity and love. Talking with her felt like a breath of fresh air, I felt seen and heard but I also learned valuable insights and real-life advice. Whether it's extending kindness to strangers or fostering a supportive environment for those around us.  Walking around with a heart full of love and daring to be vulnerable and open to everything that life puts in your path is what it’s all about. It was a pleasure sitting down and talking with Terrellyn, this is an interview that I will never forget. 

This week,  One Bowl Productions met and talked with Yanenowi Logan. Yanenowi (she guards the corn) is a senior at Cornell University and embodies the essence of activism and youth leadership. Her story illustrates the power of individuals, regardless of background or age, to effect meaningful change in society. Whether it’s from her roots in the Cattaraugus reservation or her endeavors on the global stage, her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion always to leave things better than you find them. 

Yanenowi is set to graduate in 2024 with her bachelor's degree in environment and sustainability. Throughout her four years, she has impacted indigenous communities at Cornell, and on the national and global stage. Through this interview, I was in awe of her resume and the amount of work she is doing to help better the communities around her. 

For Yanenowi, it was all inherently connected when it came to caring for the environment and advocating for indigenous rights because of the way the Haudenosaunee communities are structured. “To serve the land, the people, and specifically, look out for the youth - our governing leadership makes decisions based on how they will affect seven generations ahead.  Growing up, I took those teachings very seriously, which led me to my path.” Between her youth and her passion for advocacy and empowerment, she is always motivated to better things for future generations. Whether creating a Native American youth travel fund or establishing Seneca Youngbloods, she is constantly giving back to her community and providing hope for the next generations.

When asked about her impact as a youth leader, she mentions the National Conference of American Indians, where she serves as the Co-President of the Youth Commission, and how she wrote the State of the Indian Youth Address. Days before the conference she was notified that her speech, written about Palestinian and world liberation, was scratched due to timing concerns. However, with the support of her peers and the Seneca nation, the executive board reinstated her speech. This moment wasn’t just about delivering words; it was a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. It is marked as a significant point in her journey as a youth leader. 

Yanenowi’s impact extends far beyond the borders of her local community. This past October, she attended the United Nations Indigenous Youth Forum in Rome, surrounded by like-minded individuals who wanted to make a change within their community. Witnessing the passion and dedication of the youth she was surrounded by she realized the importance of taking collective action within her own community. 

For young people who aspire to make a difference but may need help figuring out where to start, Yanenowi discusses the importance of finding like-minded individuals who are not afraid to dream big. Through collaboration and collective action, it is often the smallest efforts that can lead to meaningful change. Reflecting on her journey, Yanenowi recognizes the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing her identity. She draws strength from her culture and sees it as a source of inspiration to keep going for the next generations. Yanenowi’s journey serves as a testament to the power of activism, youth leadership, and the importance of remembering where you come from. 

I had the honor to interview Yanenowi this past week, and while I have known her for quite some time it was different interviewing her after all of her accomplishments throughout the years. I have admired her journey from afar but hearing the personal details about everything she has done is nothing short of inspiring. I found myself deeply moved by her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. Her ability to navigate the complexities of environmental sustainability, Indigenous rights, and youth empowerment with grace and determination serves as hope for those of us who aspire to make a difference. Her capacity to leave things better than she found them is a testament to her character and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that each of us can have when we dare to dream big and take action. She is an inspiration for those around her, and I wish her nothing but the absolute best, I know she is going to continue to do amazing things. 

Rematriation, a digital storytelling platform, and an Indigenous women-led movement, is dedicated to sparking conversations and restoring balance to the world through ancestral wisdom, reconnection, and healing (https://rematriation.com/). When asking Michelle what Rematriation means to her, she says, “For me, It’s grounding ourselves as people in that perspective and knowing that colonization had such an impact on our way of life and governance. And it is just being able to share what we know, what it is like coming from a matrilineal society, and what our relationship is to Mother Earth.” Rematriation can serve as a point to remember that we are a part of the natural world. Participating in it can help bring about a more peaceful and equitable world for those around us and particularly the future generations.

Michelle Schenandoah is widely recognized as a leader through her impactful contributions and actions all across the board. To revitalize and preserve Indigenous cultures, she states that “the best thing to do is to create a culturally safe space where young people feel that they have access and where they do not feel judged or criticized.” And that is why Rematriaiton is an organization for all people, not just Indigenous people. Because every human being is connected to the earth, and once that is seen, we will realize how important that relationship is. “We are no different from the grass, or the trees, or the air, or the food. Our health depends on the wellness of all living beings.”

Interviewing Michelle was empowering. Her odyssey in Rematriation is a tapestry woven with threads of cultural resilience, healing, love, and environmental consciousness. In her story, we witness authenticity and her passion within her everyday life. I asked her what her advice would be for someone to find their authentic self and feel empowered. “Every individual comes here endowed with certain gifts that no other human being has. If you can identify and pay attention to what your gifts are and start to cultivate that - it will help you find your strength and your voice.”

Talking to Michelle was very empowering and grounding. Her story and journey are nothing short of inspiring for all people. She reminded me of the importance of leaving things better than you found it, staying true to who you are, and loving what you do every single day. I was grateful and honored to be able to interview someone like her. Thank you, Michelle!

- Post by Jalyn Jimerson

AMY BESAW MEDFORD

This week, OBP brings you Wonderful Woman Amy Besaw Medford of the Brotherhood tribe located in Wisconsin. Medford has served as the Executive Director at the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, and currently serves as a Research Affiliate and is a board member for the Calumet & Cross Heritage Society. Her dedication to the service of Indian country through her work with the Harvard Project has led to the progress of tribal governments all over the US as they learn from each other to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved. With a background in human development and psychology, she helps create the context and understanding that is vital in helping projects grow.

Part of the hurdles in the work that she and the Harvard Project have overcome is helping others understand the importance of focusing on how to strengthen their tribal governments in the long term even if it means stepping away from equally important work. However, Medford has worked hard to streamline the process and get out into their communities to learn as much as possible about the care and time they dedicate to their tribes. Amy also contributes to encouraging the growth of tribal leadership through the sharing of information, research and awards available to all of Indian Country.

Medford is an exemplification of what it means to be a working mother in the modern age. The supportive native community within her work is a big reason she has been able to manage both working and being a mother, as she found comfort in their valuing of the “cohesion of family.”

In reflecting on her upbringing, Medford emphasized that the women in her life taught her to be who she is now and taught her to be inquisitive. "Ask more questions!"

Thank you, Amy Besaw Medford, for being a positive and significant change agent in Indian Country and our first 2022 OBP Wonderful Woman!

Written and Designed by Selena Lopez (@ssselenalopezzz )

@HonoringNations @abmedford #Native #WonderfulWomenWednesday #Harvard #HarvardProject #IndianCountry #AmericanIndian #NativeAmerican #Development #Indigenous

MURISA PRINTUP

Murisa Printup is an extraordinary artist and jewelry maker who shares her love of art with her people and surrounding communities. I had the opportunity to interview her as part of One Bowl Productions’ Wonderful Women Series. Kind and gracious, Printup showed humility and bravery when describing her life path and accomplishments. When she left her company after 11 years of work with stability, good pay and future opportunities, she was asked, “Can you really make a living doing art?” As a student considering a career in a creative field, I also have been posed the same question as Murisa. Although scared, Murisa, (Yaihráˀthaˀ meaning she waters) had the courage to leave her steady job in order to pursue her dreams of art and continue her family legacy.

Murisa joined her partner, Robert D'Alimonte, and began Tuscarora Woodworks designing and crafting wooden ornaments. Now, Tuscarora Woodworks has its own property with both online and brick and mortar storefronts and is known for their extraordinary artwork, raised beadwork, wood ornaments, product design and build, and customized orders. Focusing on connecting with her culture through art and teaching courses in order to educate those around her, Murisa also strives to carry her art and passion to those outside her community. Murisa's passion and care for others was evident in speaking with her. Her store is open to the Tuscarora Nation and visitors alike. They teach classes which focus on artwork – such as basketmaking – while also emphasizing the importance of nature conservation. Murisa carries the strength of family, cultural history and resilience and the importance of raising awareness of indigenous issues.

Even through a very difficult time for Tuscarora Woodworks, Mursia put her values of caring for her community into practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining forces with another local store, Mursia and her partner closed their shop, using their space to provide toilet paper, clean water, and food. She is committed to giving back to the community that inspired her as a young person. During our conversation, Murisa also expressed her concern to keep her community safe during the pandemic, and decided to shift to internet sales which continue to be a source of business today.
Now, as Murisa carries on her desire for giving to others, she acknowledges that she wouldn’t be the artist she is today without her many teachers and mentors. Growing up, she watched her uncle and great uncle succeed through art, which gave her the belief that she could make it in art herself, regardless of what other people said. She notes, “If I didn't see someone like him in my life, I probably wouldn’t have thought it was possible to be a full time artist and make a living at it” she states. Coming from a matrilineal culture, Printup has looked up to strong women her whole life. Now a leader in her community, she tells young artists in pursuit of their dreams: “You can do it. Just keep at it. Stay authentic. You can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.”
After my conversation with Murisa, I was inspired. Talking to a strong, confident young woman who set her own path in a career in art, even though it was the path of resistance, I found myself sitting with the message that we must combine our passion with the drive to give back to our communities in the best way we know how.

JOANNE SHENANDOAH

~ In Memoriam ~

Joanne Shenandoah is a citizen of the Oneida Nation, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. She is a member of the Wolf Clan. Joanne has built an extraordinary career as a leading Native woman singer and composer. She is celebrated across cultures and among the most prominent musicians in all genres of music. Joanne was born into a strong, music loving family. Her mother, a Clanmother, played the guitar and piano and held a responsibility for the political, social and spiritual welfare of the people. Joanne's mother taught her about women’s roles, rights, and responsibilities.

Her father, an Onondaga Chief and jazz guitarist, shared with her his passion for music and named Joanne “Tekaiawahway,” (pronounced De-gal-la-wha-wha), which means “she sings” in the Oneida language. “Everybody sings, everything has a spirit. Everything…. There’s sounds all over nature. There’s sounds within us. We get to sing our own song, you know, you just have to decide if you want to.”

As a lifelong activist and humanitarian, Joanne works as a peace and earth justice advocate and has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world. She is a founding board member of the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge, a non-profit higher learning educational facility that is based on Iroquois principles. She is currently working on album number 25. Joanne continues to emanate beauty and poise through her voice and soul.

“Life is about appreciating the fact that you are alive and that you can give back and be who you’re supposed to be. When I was a little girl, I was given the name 'She lifts the spirit,' and that’s what I’m supposed to do! And I finally figured that out after all these years...I think each and every one of us has that possibility. We have been given a gift and whatever that gift is, doesn’t matter how old you are or how intelligent or how good looking or how talented, it's all about who we are as human beings and where is our place upon this earth right now? How do we look forward to the future and make a place for everyone?"
- Joanne Shenandoah

Post by Justine Goldberg

#WonderfulWomen #Humanitarian #Advocate #EarthProtector #Women #Oneida #Iroquois #Haudenosaunee #Native #Indigenous #Love #Blessed #Healing #HonorTheEarth #ShareTheLove #Knowledge #Song #SingerSongwriter #Grammy #Music #Original #Earth #Mother #MotherEarth

DR. DENISE BAKER-INEGBENEBO, PH.D

In honor of women’s history month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Denise Baker-Inegbenebo, Ph.D. Dr. Baker-Inegbenebo descends from a long line of powerful, justice seeking women: her mother, Mary E. Baker and her godmother, Margaret “Peggy” Baker. Denise is a grassroots community activist who fights hard to create visibility for her community. Since she was a child, Denise has been passionate about helping people of different colors and backgrounds achieve mutual understanding in a tactful way. And that’s a skill she continues to use and cherish in adulthood.

Dr. Baker-Inegbenebo was a social worker with the state Department of Children and Families, working with children and families in difficult situations. Now, as a licensed Massage Therapist and wellness coach in Brockton, MA, Denise pursues her dream as an entrepreneur, continuing her passion in helping people. Denise's lifelong dream is a holistic approach to peace, helping the individual and her community to be healthy in mind, body and spirit, and to prosper.

-- Justine Goldberg

#WonderfulWomen #WomensMonth #WonderfulWednesday #WCW #WomanCrushWednesday #WonderfulWomenWednesday #WomenSupportingWomen #womensday #Healing #SelfCare #Wellness #BrocktonMA

BETTY LYONS

Betty Lyons, Gaen hia uh ‘Small Sky’ is a citizen of the Onondaga Nation, Capital of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. She is a mother, a leader, and activist who stands on the frontlines for the rights of Native peoples.

Since its first session in 2001, Ms. Lyons has been a leading voice at the annual meeting of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Betty has also coordinated the Forum's opening ceremonies.

As a strong and effective woman leader, Betty has worked for the Onondaga Nation for over twenty years. She serves as a relentless advocate for human rights, the rights of her people and the earth.

Betty reminds us, that just thinking about the ‘self’ and our 'wants' can have devastating results.

Ms. Lyons wishes to gift the Iroquois value system to the world. A system that, at its heart, is about caring for other people, caring for the community, and thinking about the welfare of future generations. “Leadership is responsibility” she says, responsibility for the welfare of the people and our relationship with the earth and all life.

-- Post by Leah Ettinger

#NativeWomen #AILA #AmericanIndian #Native #leadership #sky #Women #Iroquois #Haudenosaunee #UnitedNations #Indigenous #UnitedNationsHumanRights

NEDRA DARLING

Having the opportunity to speak with and hear from Nedra Darling on women’s leadership was an honor. With a humble and very wise sentiment, Nedra elegantly touched on her career, her inspirations, and the importance of effective women’s leadership. As Public Affairs Director at the Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nedra oversaw the trust responsibility and relationship with 574 tribes for over 20 years. “I had the pleasure of serving two women secretaries… learning and walking with them provided me an avenue for learning and teaching for them.”

Growing up in a society dominated by male political figures, Nedra was encouraged by her mother and other women in her life to pursue her goals of attending college and studying government. Though at the time there were very few women leaders, the strength and love shown to her by the women in her life inspired her to become the leader that she is now. Nedra has helped pave the way for women leaders today and continues to make a change through her work with Bright Path Strong and upcoming film, "Bright Path: the story of Jim Thorpe."

Thank you Nedra!

-- Jonas Linnman-Feuerring

#WonderfulWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #BrightPathStrong #Leadership #WomensLeadership #WomenInGovernment #WomenInPolitics #Native #Indigenous #NativeWomen #JimThorpe

GINA LAMB

Gina Lamb is a Los Angeles artist/activist/teacher who has worked collaboratively with inner-city youth for the past 20 years to foster their voices/vision through independent media arts production. Documentary and experimental videos have dealt with race, gender identity, class and immigrant issues and have been presented internationally in museums, galleries, film festivals, conferences, and broadcast on television.

For the past twenty-three years Gina has taught Media Studies at Pitzer College with an emphasis on community engagement and media activism projects. Students in her course Media Arts for Social Justice participate in ongoing media collaborations with many local non-profit / cause-based organizations (including OBP!) Gina is passionate, patient, and truly dedicated to her work and her students.

Gina, thank you for all you do! We love you!

Written and Designed by Justine Goldberg

CAITLIN NASEMA CASSIDY

“I stand on the shoulders of so many women, so many creative ancestors, so many biological ancestors. That is how it happens. We say circles rise together, you gotta take your people with you.”

Caitlin Nasema Cassidy descends from a long line of educators and justice seekers. So when she fell in love with theatre she struggled to reconcile her desire to make art with her need to be of service. At age eight, Cassidy traveled the US in a production of Show Boat. She had a history of theatre arts, but going into college could only see herself in the international social justice space. It was at Georgetown University when she realized, thanks to two amazing professors, that Theatre and Social Justice work were not mutually exclusive, she could do both/and. Now Caitlin runs theatre workshops in New York, Qatar, and Morocco.

Caitlin brings this frame of mind and her education outside the US into LubDub Theatre Co, where she is a founding member and Co-Artistic Director of the NY based company. LubDub is a physical theatre company that uses theatre to build community and discuss large social issues. In 2017 LubDub committed to a cycle on climate, and Caitlin believes that cycle will continue on, the work is too important and the issue too large to ignore.

In 2018 One Bowl Productions asked Cassidy to record Champion, written by Ralph Stevens. Here is her message…

“With this song, I hope to reach young people, womxn specifically, but anyone who needs the reminder that there are champions everywhere… We are each other's champions. Women always have each other's back in the most amazing way. I hope the message of the song is really, we’re all out here waiting for you, we gotchu. That’s it.”

The questions on Caitlin’s mind and heart these days are…
-How do we perform science?
-How do we build a more sustainable theater practice that considers the environment in a really deep serious way?
-How do we have radical knowledge and radical love?

#WomenSupportingWomen #RiseUp #ClimateActionNow #RadicalLove #Science #World #NY #NewYork #Love #Transform #Artist #Theatremaker #theatre

Features written by our wonderful staff and interns:
Genevieve Kules, Leah Ettinger, Selena Lopez, Justine Goldberg, Simi Sachdeva, and Jonas Linnman-Feuerring

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