Patricia Whitefoot is a citizen of the Yakama Nation, an Indigenous elder, activist and educator, along with being a traditional food gatherer with the Toppenish Creek Longhouse in White Swan, WA.   Her commitment to culture-based education of Native children is representative of her appointment by President Barack Obama to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education with the U.S. Department of Education. She is also a prominent advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Indigenous rights.

Whitefoot is a professional educator who has served in many different capacities and positions in support of children and families. This has provided her with a vast array of experience and knowledge, the importance of which has been recognized by her many awards and positions. Her work extends from the state of Washington, Northwest region, as well as teaching on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. She has served in a variety of roles such as paraprofessional, program manager, principal, counselor, superintendent, and parent advocate, as well as creating multiple educational pathways for Native educators. Having worked at every level of Indian education, including as state Supervisor of Indian Education for Washington, Whitefoot ensured Native students were achieving their academic needs, by building on their cultural and traditional teachings, and facilitating educators to provide such learning.

Outside of her educational work, Whitefoot has served on the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, and has worked in the Yakama Nation’s Department of Human Services, including being the Interim Director.  She has also served twice as past President of the National Indian Education Association and the President of the Washington State Indian Education Association. Whitefoot is one of the elder members of the “Iksiks Washana’lama” (Little Swans) girls dance group in the Yakama Nation. The dance group learns the social dances, songs and oral interpretations from the elders based on the history and oral teachings shared among families.   The “Iksiks Washanalama” have traveled extensively and nationally with distinct colors to represent their message of healing and wellness, including wearing red to honor the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Whitefoot is now retired, but continues her advocacy and work surrounding MMIW and Indigenous rights in education.  Last year, she was appointed to the Washington State Attorney General’s MMIW Task Force.  Recently, Whitefoot was appointed to the MMIW “Not Invisible Act Commission” with the U.S. Department of Interior and Department of Justice.  She is an active proponent of life-long learning by building on Native Education Teacher Certificate initiatives with higher education that connects education systems with tribes regionally and nationally to support students, teachers and communities in exploring meaningful careers.

Email:  whitefootp@gmail.com