Our search for your hometown "Heroes" has yielded an amazing response. Sixteen extraordinary individuals have already been selected and nominations are still open. We don't say, "Thank you" often enough to those who give so unsparingly of themselves and ask nothing in return. These special people nourish our communities through their giving spirits and give young people an opportunity to model themselves after real "Heroes." Below are brief portraits of people you have identified who have dedicated their time, talent, and energy to help our Native elders, solve local problems, share cultural traditions, and build stronger communities.
Bill Rossig is a Hero. He is a member of the Wiyot Tribe and a veteran of World War II. He has been giving to his community most of his 90 years. He coached youth football and baseball teams for 45 years, built homes, children's playgrounds, and started his own Elder Wood Program in which he collects scrap wood and distributes it to the elderly on three local reservations, in addition to volunteering for the Blue Lake Rancheria Elder Nutrition Program for over 15 years (continuing with it even while he was going through cancer treatments). Bill Rossig is a Hero.
Claire Hughes is a Hero. Dr. Hughes is a respected Native Hawaiian elder. Throughout her career she has sought knowledge and methods to help others enjoy good health. She partnered in developing use of the traditional Native Hawaiian Diet (THD) which can modify numerous health problems associated with consuming a westernized diet (high cholesterol, high saturated fat) and, through her newsletter column, has informed and influenced many Native Hawaiian elders to make personal changes to improve their health. After her retirement in 2002, Dr. Hughes continued her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society in the Hawaiian community. Claire Hughes is a Hero.
Donna Kessinger is a Hero. Donna is a Siletz tribal elder. She remembers that Indian women help each other; years ago Indian women helped each other can fruit, make jam and jelly and helped with sewing projects. Donna continues that tradition by delivering fish (from a local hatchery) and apples (picked in the valley by she and her family members) to the Elders of the community. She visits Elders and talks to them. If they need assistance she calls the Tribal Office to help them find a solution to their problem. Donna brings joy to those around her. Donna Kessinger is a Hero.
Gregorita Chavarria is a Hero. She died this June at 102, but the memory of her loving heart, kind words, and gentle touch keep her memory alive with the Kha’p’oo Owinge. She testified before the New Mexico Legislature to promote “Gregorita’s Dream”, a Regional Adult Day Care Facility which began construction this year on the Santa Clara Pueblo. She will not see the completion of this dream, but for years to come community members who are able to remain at home in the care of loving family will remember and honor her. Gregorita’s coherent mind and willingness to share her cultural knowledge and momentous memories made her our blessing. Gregorita Chavarria is a Hero.
Monte Fox is a Hero. He began his work on the White Earth Reservation in 2000. He has reached record numbers of people with his "elders only" exercise program and an annual Diabetes camp where elders gather to exercise, eat healthy, and share their stories and knowledge. He has been instrumental in scheduling nutrition classes, helping Elders with menu planning, and providing nutrition counseling, as well as organizing a Mobile Podiatry Clinic that has saved many limbs from amputation. Monte's humble approach to his mission and deep respect for local cultural tradition has earned the respect of local Elders. Monte Fox is a hero.
Helen Cummings is a Hero. Besides raising a large family of her own, she took in 16 American Indian foster children who needed someone to love and care for them. She worked on national projects as a member of the National Indian Council on Aging. Helen speaks the original Ojibway language fluently. She stresses to all community, family, and friends the importance of education and the importance of teaching and passing on our language and culture to our young. Helen says her life experience has taught her that “Life is a never ending process of learning. You learn every day if you keep an open mind and interest in the world around us”. Helen Cummings is a Hero.
Beverly Karston is a Hero. She is devoted to helping improve the lives of elders on the White Earth reservation, working tirelessly to provide opportunities for education, exercise, nutrition, and improved services. She coordinates health screenings and has set up classes on pain management, arthritis, cancer prevention, medication management, falls prevention, and elder abuse. Bev works with a smile and a helping hand. When one of the Elders lost their home she took it upon herself to find furniture for them; as usual going above and beyond to offer help and compassion. Her work is often behind the scenes and rarely recognized. Beverly Karsten is a Hero.
Leroy Elliott is a Hero. He is a tribal member of the Manzanita Kumayaay Reservation in San Diego County California. He is the Chairman of his tribe and sits on the board of directors for Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. His most notable contribution to the native elder community is that of keeping tribal culture. He sings the old Native Tribal "Bird Songs" which were sung hundreds of years ago. He gives his time to singing across the country and teaches the songs to Tribal youth. We want to say thank you for his years of contributions through storms and 105 degree weather, and we know in times to come he'll be standing there singing and dancing the Native Tribal song. Leroy Elliott is a Hero.
