Aileen

Aileen celebrates her heritage daily as a member of the Hoopa Tribe in Burney Falls. At two years old, she was adopted after her biological parents had to renounce their care for Aileen. She was separated from her culture for many years after being adopted as her adoptive parents are White, but through her aunt, Aileen learned about where she came from.

Once she received her cultural knowledge, Aileen fully embraced it. She met the members of her tribe and her extended family. While in Burney Falls, Aileen witnessed spear fishing (which is how members of the Hoopa tribe traditionally fish) and enjoyed the experience. She filled her home with indigenous artwork, the sounds of native music, and enjoys cooking traditional indigenous meals like bison stew. Aileen lives independently in a senior apartment complex and likes to share the meals she makes with those around her.

In addition to proudly celebrating her heritage, Aileen enjoys painting, drawing, crocheting, sewing, and solving puzzles. She is socially active and enjoys volunteering, offering people free cleaning services or helping them in whatever way they need. Besides her philanthropic efforts, Aileen’s goal is to attend a Pow Wow and hopes to achieve this goal in 2024.