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Georgianna Ignace, who made a lifetime commitment to assure culturally-based programs and health care services are provided for Urban Indians in the greater Milwaukee area, will be honored at the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center’s (GLIIHC) 15th Annual Red Shawl Gala on April 3 (Friday), at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W. Canal St.
Georgianna, a member of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, founded the Red Shawl Gala and leaves a legacy that will impact the health of future generations of Native American Indians for decades to come, said her son, GLIIHC Chief Executive Officer Lyle Ignace, M.D., M.P.H.
“The primary purpose of the Red Shawl is to gain community support for our mission to improve the health, peace, and well-being of Milwaukee Indians from all of Wisconsin’s 11 tribes,” said Dr. Lyle Ignace, of the Menominee and Coeur d’Alene Tribes. “My mother was relentless in her work to secure health care for low-income Urban Indians.
“Contributions allow us to provide sustainable health care services and programs that are responsive to the needs of the community, assuring a stronger future for Milwaukee’s Native children, youth, elders and families,” he said.
The gala will feature live and silent auctions of Native art and jewelry, along with a memorial to Georgianna Ignace. To donate to the Red Shawl Gala in honor of Georgianna Ignace go to: redshawl20.givesmart.com.
WHO: Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center
WHAT: 15th Annual Silver Anniversary Red Shawl Gala
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, Registration/Hors d’oeuvres/Electronic Bidding
WHERE: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., Milwaukee
WHY: To Honor Georgianna (Georgia) Ignace
GLIIHC grew out of an awareness in the 1970s of the poor health of Milwaukee’s Native American community. Since its inception, GLIIHC has tripled in size and besides the medical clinic, houses a pharmacy, dental clinic, behavioral health center and a fitness center.
“The health center weaves our culture into healing our clients,” Dr. Lyle Ignace said. “According to our traditions, in order to heal, we must address every part of a human being and this includes the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, and our community as well.”
For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Anne Egan-Waukau at anneeganwaukau@gmail.com, or call her at (262) 370-0142.
She was a very lovely lady who was proactive for all tribes. She was a wonderful mother and wife and stood by her family and kept them close. God bless her and her wonderful memory.