Amy Yakima
Amy Yakima, a Yakama Nation activist, championed Native American rights and led the National Indian Youth Council.
Dancer
November 8, 1993
31
Amy Yakima Dancer, born on August 15, 1952, is a renowned Native American social worker, educator, and advocate for Native American rights. Throughout her illustrious career, she has held significant positions within the Yakama Nation, including serving as the director of the Yakama Nation Health Services and the executive director of the Yakama Nation Housing Authority.
Amy’s dedication extends beyond the Yakama Nation, as she has actively participated in national and international organizations. She served as the former president of both the National Indian Social Workers Association and the National Indian Education Association. Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her prestigious awards such as the Indian of the Year by the National Congress of American Indians in 1995 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Indian Education Association in 2004.
As a fluent speaker of the Yakama language, Amy is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. She is a passionate traditional Yakama dancer, captivating audiences with her performances at powwows and cultural events. Her unwavering commitment to Native American rights has made her a respected leader and an inspiration to her community.