Lavina Washines, first woman to lead Yakama Nation, dies

Friday, June 3, 2011  

Lavina Washines, the first woman to serve as chair of the Yakama Nation of Washington, died on Thursday.

Washines was first elected to the tribal council in 1985. She became chair in 2006 and was serving on the council up until her death.

Washines was fluent in several languages spoken on the Yakama Nation. She was also known as a defender of the tribe's sovereignty and treaty rights.

The tribe has rescheduled the 1855 treaty days event due to Washines' death.

Get the Story:
First female leader of Yakama Tribal Council dies (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/3)

Yakama Nation to celebrate signing of June 9, 1855 treaty (6/1)