Francella Mary Griggs facts for kids

Sister Francella Mary Griggs, S.N.J.M., (February 5, 1920 – January 7, 2012) was a Native American nun. She was a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Sister Francella was a strong supporter of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in Oregon. She worked hard to help her tribe get back their official recognition from the United States government. The Siletz Tribes successfully regained this recognition in 1977.

Who Was Sister Francella Mary Griggs?

Early Life and Childhood

Sister Francella was born Florence Griggs on February 5, 1920. Her parents were Lloyd Manley and Amanda West Griggs. She grew up in Medford, Oregon. Florence was the older of two sisters. Sadly, her parents passed away when she was young. She and her sister were then raised by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. They lived at the Christie School in Marylhurst, Oregon.

Becoming a Sister and Teacher

Florence Griggs joined the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She took her vows on February 5, 1943. This was also her 23rd birthday. She studied hard and earned two college degrees. She got degrees in both English and Spanish.

After finishing her studies, Sister Francella became a teacher. She taught at high schools across the Pacific Northwest. She taught in cities like Seattle, Spokane, Salem, Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, Astoria, Oregon, and Portland, Oregon.

Helping Native American Tribes

In the late 1960s, Sister Francella started to focus on Native American issues. She joined a special group that worked to restore federal recognition for tribes. Her own family was part of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Federal recognition means the government officially recognizes a tribe. This gives tribes important rights and services. Sister Francella worked with several United States representatives from Oregon. Together, they fought for the Siletz Tribes. Their hard work paid off. The tribe regained federal recognition in 1977.

After this success, Sister Francella became a professor. She taught at the Indian Center of Eastern Oregon State College. Today, this school is called Eastern Oregon University. She also led the Portland Urban Indian Program as its executive director.

Later Life and Legacy

Sister Francella passed away on January 7, 2012. She was 91 years old. She died at the Marie-Rose Center in Lake Oswego, Oregon. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Her funeral was held at the Mary’s Woods Provincial House Chapel in Lake Oswego. She was buried in a family plot. This plot is on the Siletz Indian reservation. Sister Francella is remembered for her dedication. She helped her tribe regain their rightful place and identity.