Boozhoo!  Zeegwun Noodinese nindizhinikaaz, Migizi n’dodeym. Odaawaa Zaaga’iganiing Ojibwe Anishinaabekwe n’dow. Menominii Zaaga’iganiing n’donjiba. Omashkiigooni’daw. Niizho Mideo. Greetings, my spirit name means the warm spring breeze, and I am Bald Eagle Clan. I am of  Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Cree descent from my mother’s side (also Irish & French) and Russian from my father’s side. My ancestors are from the Rice Lake area, and I am a second-degree Midewiwin (Midewiwin means “way of the heart”). 

As the Communications & Marketing Director, I work with our teachers, staff, and Board to provide a cohesive look and feel to our school’s communications, improve the flow of information, and share the important work that is done at Indian Community School. Strengthening communication between our school, families, and the community fosters engagement on all levels and builds a stronger community. My greatest joy is seeing the young faces of our students, knowing that my work is ultimately for them. I am an experienced branding, design, and marketing communications professional. I hold an Associate Degree in Commercial Art from MATC and studied at Carrol University (BA Communications) and the University of Chicago-School of Business. I serve on two Boards (the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center and Spotted Eagle), and volunteer in our Native community.

We have two amazing sons who live nearby, and three other greatly loved children and ICS Alumni, who have passed on to the Spirit World. Standing up for our water, cultures and people, reclaiming the original dress of our grandmothers, ceremonies, pow wows, and the Ojibwe language are all of great importance to me. I love sewing, cooking, and Woodland culture and regalia. We currently call Muskego “home,” where I live with my partner Mark and sister Tina, and a scrappy Chihuahua named Scooter.

To contact me, please email me at:  smarks@ics-edu.org