Pilgrim, Agnes Emma Baker (1924-2019)

Dates

• Existence: 1924 - 2019

Biography

Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim was a member of the Confederate Tribes of Siletz. Her grandfather, George Harney, was the first elected Chief of the Confederated Trives of SIletz. A Southern Oregon University Alumna, Agnes Baker Pilgrim (Grandma Aggie) was an integral part of the fabric and life of the campus, the Native American Student Union, and Native American programs at SOU for over four decades. In 2002 Agnes Baker Pilgrim was the recipient fo the Distinguished Alumni Award and in August 2019 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor, SOU's most prestigious tribute. Grandma came to every SOU powwow, helped found Konaway Nika Tillicum SOU's residential summer academic program for Native youth, participated in Earth Day programs, provided countless blessings at campus events, was instrumental in SOU's observation of Indigenous People's Day, and participated in the Native American Advisory Council. Grandma Aggie leaves a big legacy in Northwest and internationally. After 140 years, Grandma Aggie brought back the traditional Takelma salmon ceremony to Southern Oregon. Aggie was one of 13 women from indigenous cultures from around the world who were invited to the International Council of 13 Indegenous Grandmothers in 2004. She remained active in the council chairing it for many years, until her death.

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