2014 Honorees

Congratulations to our 2014 Enduring Spirit Award honorees Ramona Ahto (Yakama), Dianne Allen (Coeur d’Alene), Darlene Miller (Seneca), and Earlene Bala (Seneca).

Ramona Ahto, Yakama

Known for her deep roots, friendly smile, and humor, she is equally known for her fierce commitment to improving the lives of Native people through her work in social and health services. She incorporates her knowledge of and respect for Native tradition into her treatment plans for chemical dependency counseling. Her kind spirit has blessed the community with open dialogue about the importance of addressing chemical dependency issues. She has changed the lives of Native people in her work for over 45 years and she continues to touch lives in the most positive and respectful manner.

Dianne Allen, Coeur d’Alene

An outstanding and deeply respected member of the Coeur D’Alene Tribe, Ms. Allen has been a champion of Native education for her tribe. She has advanced education within her community from early learning to higher education. Her tenacity has culminated in strong working relationships with educators, policy makers, and tribal leaders. All of which have resulted in increasing education success for Native peoples. Her work reaches to educational institutions, health care workers, domestic violence programs, and cultural preservation, all focused to help Native peoples’ lives and livelihood.

Darlene Miller, Seneca

Ms. Miller is an anchor for her community. An esteemed member of her tribe, she shares her profound comprehension of her culture and traditions. She has dedicated her life, time and energy to the preservation of her tribal culture, practices, traditions, and language. Her teachings and deep-seeded knowledge have benefitted tribal historic preservation. By passing on her knowledge of tribal practices, songs, language, and ceremonies she has preserved these most sacred of traditions for generations of Native peoples. In addition she has served her community in improving the quality of health care and policies in her work on tribal council and health care.

Earlene Bala, Seneca

Ms. Bala has worked tirelessly to promote and enhance educational opportunities and pathways for Native students. Her 40 years in the field of education have taken her to support, advocate, promote, and dedicate her time and energy to fight for Native students. She has taken this battle into the classroom, the court room, family homes, and even the sports arenas. She has made herself available to her students day and night and has made tremendous and long-lasting strides at improving education for thousands of Native students.