Seattle Indian Health Board honored three more leaders at the 2019 Adeline Garcia Community Service Awards for their contributions toward Native issues in the community.
2019 Recipients
Richard Peterson (Tlingit)
President, Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson from the Kaagwaantaan Clan, grew up in Kasaan, Alaska. He has served as president of Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) since 2014 and was unanimously re-elected to a third term in 2018, representing over 31,000 Tribal Citizens and their needs, whether in Southeast Alaska, Washington State, nationally, or worldwide. His focus on economic development, partnerships, tribal sovereignty, and community sustainability has extended to all of Indian Country. President Peterson has been a partner to Seattle Indian Health Board and others to create housing opportunities and address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic, along with showing his support at every turn to promote Native health.
Debora Juarez (Blackfeet)
Councilmember, City of Seattle
Since day one as a councilmember for the City of Seattle, Debora Juarez has made it a priority to bring Native perspectives into policy and decisions about Seattle. Prior to her current position, Councilmember Juarez worked as an attorney in various positions with the City of Seattle, King County, and Washington State before becoming a private attorney who focused on economic development for tribal communities. For decades, she has been—and continues to be—an advocate for Native people to promote tribal sovereignty, housing, economic opportunities, safety for Native women, and all issues that promote the health of our community.
Patsy Whitefoot (Yakama/Diné)
Educator, MMIWG Activist
Patricia “Patsy” Whitefoot was born and raised in the homelands of the Yakama Nation in central Washington. Her elder’s vision for tribal education inspired her to earn a BA in Education with a Teaching Certificate and a MA in Education from Central Washington University. For 47 years, she has worked primarily in managing and teaching in Indian education, including serving on the Yakama Tribal Council. She has been a leading voice and activist to bring attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s crisis in Washington and nationally. Today, Ms. Whitefoot is retired and continues to work and live in White Swan, where strong tribal roots have survived. For 30 years, Patsy has served as the Education Chair of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. Her vision for the health of her people is steeped in her ancestral knowledge formed by indigenous languages, cultures, and histories, tied to the rich landscapes.
About Adeline Garcia
Adeline (Haida, Double Fin Killer Whale Clan) was a pioneer in urban Indian social causes and was a co-founding member of the American Indian Women’s Service League. She was the president and a board member of the Seattle Indian Health Board, and we are proud to honor her legacy and commitment to Native people.
2019 event sponsors
Thank you to the 2019 sponsors for their continued partnership in support of Native health.
Cedar Level Sponsors
Sweetgrass Level Sponsors
Sage Level Sponsors
Additional Sponsors
PMG Priority Management
Check out the 2018 event
The 2018 Adeline Garcia Community Service Awards Luncheon was held at The Arctic Club in downtown Seattle where 200 guests attended to honor the 2018 recipients and help the Seattle Indian Health Board have its most successful fundraiser to date.