Agnes Baker Pilgrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Agnes Baker Pilgrim
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| Taowhywee (or Morningstar) | |
Pilgrim (with friend)
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| Takelma, Confederated Tribes of Siletz leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 11, 1924 Lodgson, Oregon |
| Died | November 27, 2019 (aged 95) Grants Pass, Oregon |
| Education | Taft High School; Southern Oregon State College |
| Known for | Chairperson of International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers; brought back the 'Salmon Ceremony' to Southern Oregon after 150 years. |
| Nickname | Grandma Aggie |
Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim (born September 11, 1924 – died November 27, 2019) was a respected Native American elder. She was from Grants Pass, Oregon. Agnes was the oldest member of her tribe, the Takelma. She was also the granddaughter of Jack Harney. He was the first elected Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz.
In 2004, Agnes Pilgrim became the Chairperson of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. She was honored as a "Living Treasure" by her tribe. The Oregon Council of the Arts called her a "Living Cultural Legend."
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About Agnes Baker Pilgrim
Agnes Pilgrim was born on September 11, 1924. Her grandmother, Elizabeth Juliana Tole Harney, was a midwife and helped deliver her. Her family faced tough times during the Great Depression. They lived without electricity.
Many people knew Agnes as Grandma Aggie. She had many different jobs throughout her life. She worked as a physician's assistant for the Indian Health Service. She was also a scrub nurse. Later, she worked as a logger and a singer. She even worked as a bouncer and a barber in a jail. She also enjoyed stock car racing.
Agnes Pilgrim was married three times. She had three daughters and three sons. She also had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild.
In 1982, Agnes became very ill. She felt a strong spiritual calling after this time. She believed she had important work to do in the world. She shared her life story and beliefs in an interview in 2018. This was part of the Stories of Southern Oregon project.
Bringing Back the Sacred Salmon Ceremony
The Takelma tribe and other tribes used to hold a special ceremony. This ceremony welcomed and thanked the returning salmon each year. But for 140 years, the Takelma tribe stopped performing it publicly. This was because they lost some of their old traditions.
Agnes Pilgrim and her husband, Grant Pilgrim, wanted to bring it back. They visited other tribes who still held this ceremony. After learning from them, the Pilgrims brought their own version of the ceremony to Southern Oregon. Because of her efforts, Agnes is known as the 'Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony'.
Many groups have shown interest in this ceremony. These include National Geographic and the World Wildlife Fund. Some people believe the ceremony has helped increase the number of salmon in the river.
The ceremony happens every year. It takes place on the bank of the Applegate River in Southwest Oregon.
Youth Academy: Konanway Nika Tillicum
When Agnes Pilgrim was 50, she studied at Southern Oregon University. She studied psychology and Native American topics. During this time, she helped start a summer program. It was called the Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Native American Summer Youth Academy. She served as the Elder-Woman-in-Residence for the program. This meant she was a respected elder who lived at the academy.
The International Council of 13 Grandmothers
In 2004, Agnes Pilgrim was asked to join a special group. This group was the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Agnes was the oldest of the Grandmothers. She was chosen to be the council's Chairperson.
The Council works to protect the rights of indigenous people. They also work to preserve traditional medicines. They share ancient wisdom with the world.
Agnes believed the Council came together for an important reason. She felt they were meant to be "a voice for the voiceless." In 2008, she traveled with the group to Rome. They went to speak with Pope Benedict XVI. They hoped to change old rules that had harmed indigenous people around the world.
Legacy and Impact
Agnes Pilgrim's image is part of a bronze statue. The statue is called We Are Here. It is located in downtown Ashland, Oregon. Agnes attended the ceremony when the statue was first shown on May 24, 2013. This statue helps remember her important contributions.
