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Young Ingrid
Ingrid was born in Keshena, Wisconsin, a few years after the U.S. government terminated federal recognition of the Menominee Tribe. Her family moved to Chicago, and during Ingrid’s teenage years, returned to their homeland to be part of the successful movement to restore the Menominee Tribe’s sovereignty. After using the adopted last name of White for years, Ingrid and her family reclaimed their Menominee name, Washinawatok.

Ingrid: Leader, Activist, Visionary
Among the most promising Native American leaders of her generation, Ingrid was a courageous advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, human rights, education, and environmental conservation. She drew strength from the traditional values of her culture and had an unwavering commitment to her people, inspiring others along the way. As an activist, writer, spokesperson, educator, and director of a philanthropic foundation (Fund for Four Directions), she dedicated her life to fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. A devoted mother and wife, Ingrid was also a prominent leader of the Native American community of New York City, co-founder of Indigenous Women’s Network, and chair of the Indigenous Caucus in the United Nations. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Ingrid’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Ingrid traveled to the remote highlands of Colombia in 1999 at the invitation of the U’wa tribe. She was working to help set up a school to preserve the culture and language, and to defend their lands against oil exploration. Ingrid and two American colleagues were kidnapped and murdered by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.