On November 4, 2016, we drove from Idaho to Standing Rock with a U-Haul full of food, clothing, and supplies for the Water Protectors. It was 6:30a when we pulled in and started unloading. My intention was to find a kitchen I could cook in while I was there.

Karen just happened to be driving by. She saw us and hollered, “Where are you taking that?” I told her I didn’t know yet, but hopefully to a kitchen. “Take it to Winona’s Kitchen!” she said, pointing us in the right direction. In that moment, I knew I had found the kitchen I wanted to support.

I later learned that we showed up to camp and met her on her birthday. I also learned she’s a force. She has the best laugh of anyone I’ve ever met, and she carries so much love for her people and their struggle. The way she shows up for others inspires me to be better. She loves her family hard and is intentional about being present with them. She has taught me to be a better unci.

Karen has never asked me for anything. She works hard, genuinely enjoys what she does, and speaks so highly of her colleagues and her work. That’s why I would love to help make this trip to the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers happen for her.

Here’s the breakdown:

May 7-10, 2026

$1000 flight for Karen & her companion

$450 lodging

$400 food

$300 rental

$450 incidentals

My hope is that everyone who knows and loves Karen contributes to this experience. It would be an opportunity to fill her cup the way she fills ours.

Thank you so much for reading and for your support.