2003 Honorees

Congratulations to our 2003 Enduring Spirit Award honorees Ramona Bennett (Puyallup), Virginia Cross (Muckleshoot), Joy Ketah (Blackfeet), and Marilyn Wandry (Suquamish).

Ramona Bennett, Puyallup

Ramona is the founder & Director of Rainbow Youth & Family Services and former chairwoman of the Puyallup Tribe. Ramona has supported and empowered Native families for over 30 years. In 1972, Ramona founded the Local Indian Child Welfare Act Committee with Jim Anderson. They established and implemented the model currently in use by Washington state. Ramona had the pleasure of presenting the model to the National Indian Organizations who used the Washington State Codes for the formation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Virginia Cross, Muckleshoot

Virginia has been a 20 year member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Council. She is a consistent advocate for improved tribal education conditions and has met with Governor Locke and made trips to Washington, DC to ensure that Native children are not left behind when it comes to education. She started the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Re-Entry program that supports dropouts so they can graduate on time and constantly monitors the effectiveness and progress of the tribal education programs. She continually reminds children about the importance of education while encouraging and supporting them through their schooling.

Law and Politics mentioned Ms. Cross as one of Washington’s 10 Most Powerful Women. She was also named Elder of the Year by the Washington State Indian Education Association.

Joy Ketah, Blackfeet

For nearly 20 years, Joy served as teacher and director of the United Indians Headstart & ECEAP where she taught thousands of Native students to have pride in themselves and to be proud of their heritage. Today, her students are grown, but the positive influence that Joy has had on their lives remains a testament to her unwavering belief that every child is important and de- serves the support, encouragement, and opportunity to achieve their dreams. She has proved this through her work and it is reflected in the many comments of students who credit her for making a difference in their life.

Joy continues to volunteer her time to community celebrations and cultural events and has instilled the importance of volunteerism to her daughters and granddaughter who carry on her positive example.

Marilyn Wandry, Suquamish

Marilyn is the great-great granddaughter of the last traditional chief-Wa HalCut. Wa Hal Cut is her Indian name and she is one of the traditional Long House dancers. She is known for her conscientious and hardworking commitment to the Suquamish “canoe family” and elders and continually encourages others to join in and develop their skills and knowledge with the canoe & traditions of her people.

Marilyn takes the initiative to share her knowledge and skills with others by teaching Natives and others how to make traditional drums and baskets.

In her day job, it is Marilyn’s responsibility to build and maintain relationships between the Department of Social & Health Services and the four tribes of Pierce & King County.