JoAnn Kauffman. (Photos courtesy of JoAnn Kauffman)

Our Legacy Washington program has a terrific new addition to its special series, “Who are we?” It’s the inspiring profile of JoAnn Kauffman, a prominent Nez Perce tribal member who overcame a difficult childhood and poverty to become a nationally recognized advocate for Indian health and justice.

The profile, written by Legacy Washington Director Trova Heffernan, can be viewed here.

“Who are we?” is a historical project that documents the lives of a diverse group of Washingtonians. It includes a series of online profiles and an interactive exhibit opening on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. in the State Reception Room, on the third floor of the Capitol Building. Kauffman will be among the speakers at the opening, which is free and open to the public.

Secretary of State Wyman praises Kauffman’s courage and resilience:

“JoAnn Kauffman is an inspiring example of a courageous woman from the Pacific Northwest. She survived a childhood most of us can’t fathom and has worked tirelessly since for the next generation.”

As a child, Kauffman shuttled between life as an urban Indian in Seattle housing projects and the Nez Perce Reservation and the small town of Kamiah, Idaho. Often left alone by their parents, JoAnn and her siblings raised themselves. Sometimes they lived in homes with no electricity. She and her siblings walked six blocks to a gas station to haul clean water home in a bucket. With no food for lunch, she sometimes carried an empty sack to school.

Kauffman at Chief Leschi Center construction.

Kauffman has overcome obstacles to accomplish much in her life, including:
• Helping clear the way for the Chief Leschi Center in Seattle;
• Winning federal recognition for national historic sites of the Nez Perce;
• Founding the National Association of Native American Children of Alcoholics;
• Laying a framework to prevent suicide, violence and bullying in Indian Country’s most vulnerable places; and
• Founding Kauffman & Associates, Inc., an advocacy group with offices in Spokane and Washington, D.C.

Wyman adds:

“I’m more convinced than ever that Washington is home to some of the most resilient people on the planet. We owe a debt of gratitude to these individuals for sharing their personal stories with such candor.”

The next profile, to be released Aug. 23, will be on Jolene Unsoeld, an Olympia citizen activist who later served in the state Legislature and Congress.