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The Ingrid Washinawatok
El-Issa Memorial

May 19, 2003

by Steve Cowley

Halfway through the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held at the United Nations, (May 12 – 23, 2003) on May 19th, 2003, The Flying Eagle Woman Fund hosted a Memorial to honor Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa. Over 150 people; included attendees of the Forum, supporters, friends, family members, and invited guests attended this special Memorial held at the American Indian Community House here in NYC.

(Above Right) Noelli Pocaterra, Arawak leader and Deputy Vice President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, delivers opening prayer. Jose Barreiro, a Flying Eagle Woman Fund Board Member, translated Noelli’s dedication for friends, family and invited guests.

(Left) Seated, from left, Ali El-Issa (Ingrid’s husband), Connie Faracena Secaira (Minister Counselor for the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the UN), John Livingstone, (husband of Lahe’ena’e Gay) and Maekiw El-Issa (Ingrid’s son)

Heartfelt tributes, honorariums, presentations and performances, filled the evening on Ingrid’s behalf. Among the presenters were Noelli Pocaterra, Arawak leader and Deputy Vice President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, who delivered the opening prayer; poet/activist John Trudell; Jose Barreiro, (Flying Eagle Woman Fund Board member); the SilverCloud Singers; and Danza Azteca a NYC traditional Aztec dance troupe.

(Right) Alex Ewen, a Flying Eagle Woman Fund Board Member, host and Master of Ceremony speaking to the 150 member audience about Ingrid's amazing life and illustrious career.

One of Ingrid’s closest friends, Margo Thunderbird, of the Shinnecock Nation, premiered a song written in Ingrid’s honor. Margo also presented a portrait of Ingrid to Ali El-Issa, Ingrid’s husband and President/CEO of the Flying Eagle Woman Fund. Alex Ewen, hosted the memorial and spoke of Ingrid’s life and career.

Silver Cloud Singers

(Left) The NYC-based Intertribal drum group was a favorite of Ingrid’s.

Members of Danza Azteca in a ceremonial prayer honoring Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa

Activist, poet, singer John Trudell reads several poems emphasizing a reoccurring theme, in dedication to Ingrid...

“Evolution not Revolution”

Revised: 05/13/06