Trudie Lamb-Richmond facts for kids
Gertrude Alice Lamb-Richmond (née Ray; August 5, 1931 – April 26, 2021) was an American teacher and writer. She was a member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. She worked on important issues for Native American education and politics.
Contents
About Gertrude Lamb-Richmond
Gertrude Lamb-Richmond was born on August 5, 1931, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the oldest daughter of Margaret and John Ray Jr. She grew up on the Schaghticoke reservation in northwestern Connecticut. Her stories and lessons are still shared among tribal members in southern New England.
Her Education and Early Work
Gertrude went to Long Island University. She earned a master's degree in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. She also got a master’s degree in Education from the Bank Street College of Education. She was a Native storyteller who often gave talks in Ledyard, Connecticut, and other places in New England.
From 1988 to 1993, she was the Director of Education for Public Programs at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut. She then became its assistant director from 1993 to 1996. In 1974, she helped start a group called American Indians for Development (A.I.D.). She was its Assistant Director until 1986.
Important Roles and Retirement
In 1987, the Governor of Connecticut, William O'Neill, asked Gertrude to join a special group. This group worked on issues important to Native Americans. She was also part of the Connecticut Indian Affairs Council (C.I.A.C.) from 1974 to 1985. She also served on the Native American Heritage Committee.
Gertrude worked for fifteen years as the Director of Public Programs at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. This museum is on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation. She retired from this role in 2010.
She passed away on April 26, 2021, at the age of 89. She died at the home of her daughter, Erin Lamb-Meeches.
Awards and Recognition
The First People's Fund Community Spirit gave Trudie Lamb Richmond an award. This award recognized her lifelong work as a teacher and Native storyteller.
Her Books and Writings
Gertrude Lamb-Richmond also worked with many other experts. These included Lucianne Lavin, Amy Den Ouden, and Russell Handsman. She wrote many essays about her tribal heritage.
Published Books
- The Spirit of the Drum (1986)
- Perspectives: Authentic Voices of Native Americans (1996)
- She worked with Ruth Garby Torres, another tribal member. They edited the Schaghticoke part of a book called Dawnland Voices: Writing from Indigenous New England (2014). In this book, Gertrude wrote an essay about Eunice Mauwee, an elder and culture keeper from the Schaghticoke people.
See also
