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{{short description|American activist}}
{{short description|American activist}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox American Indian chief
{{Infobox American Indian chief
|name = Agnes Baker Pilgrim
|name = Agnes Baker Pilgrim
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|lead =
|lead =
|birth_date = {{birth date|1924|9|11}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1924|9|11}}
|birth_place = Lodgson, Oregon
|birth_place = Logsden, Oregon
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2019|11|27|1924|9|11}}
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2019|11|27|1924|9|11}}
|death_place =
|death_place = Grants Pass, Oregon
|predecessor =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|successor =
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|religion =
|religion =
|party =
|party =
|education = [[Taft High School (Lincoln City, Oregon)]]; [[Southern Oregon University|Southern Oregon State College]]
|education = [[Taft High School (Lincoln City, Oregon)|Taft High School]]; [[Southern Oregon University|Southern Oregon State College]]
|spouse = Grant Pilgrim
|partner =
|children =
|parents = George Wentworth Baker, Eveline Lydia Harney Baker
|relations = George Harney (Grandfather & first elected chief of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz)
|signature =
|signature =
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
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}}
}}


'''Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim''' (September 11, 1924 – November 27, 2019) was a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] spiritual [[American Indian elder|elder]] from [[Grants Pass, Oregon]].<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.15</ref> She was the oldest member of her tribe, the [[Takelma]].<ref>{{Cite news
'''Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim''' (September 11, 1924 – November 27, 2019) was a Native American spiritual [[American Indian elder|elder]] from [[Grants Pass, Oregon]].<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.15</ref> She was the oldest member of her tribe, the [[Takelma]].<ref>{{Cite news
| title = Heartland: Just Like Grandma Told You
| title = Heartland: Just Like Grandma Told You
| work = [[Utne Reader]]
| work = [[Utne Reader]]
| accessdate = 2013-06-16
| accessdate = June 16, 2013
| url = http://www.utne.com/2007-11-01/Heartland-Just-Like-Grandma-Told-You.aspx
| url = http://www.utne.com/2007-11-01/Heartland-Just-Like-Grandma-Told-You.aspx
}}</ref><ref name = "evergreen"/> She was also the Granddaughter of Jack Harney, the first elected Chief of the [[Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians|Confederated Tribes of Siletz]].<ref name=autogenerated1>McCowan, K, (2004)</ref> Pilgrim was [[Election|Elected]] [[Chairperson]] of the [[International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers]] at its founding in 2004.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p. 2</ref> "She has been honored as a "Living Treasure" by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and as a "Living Cultural Legend" by the Oregon Council of the Arts."<ref name = "evergreen">
}}</ref><ref name = "evergreen"/> She was also the granddaughter of Jack Harney, the first elected Chief of the [[Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians|Confederated Tribes of Siletz]].<ref name=autogenerated1>McCowan, K, (2004)</ref> Pilgrim was Elected Chairperson of the [[International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers]] at its founding in 2004.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p. 2</ref> "She was honored as a "Living Treasure" by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and as a "Living Cultural Legend" by the Oregon Council of the Arts."<ref name = "evergreen">
{{Cite web
{{Cite web
| title = Agnes Baker Pilgrim - North America at Evergreen
| title = Agnes Baker Pilgrim – North America at Evergreen
| work = [[The Evergreen State College]]
| publisher = [[The Evergreen State College]]
| accessdate = 2013-06-17
| accessdate = June 17, 2013
| url = http://www.evergreen.edu/events/springcolloquium/agnesbaker.htm
| url = http://www.evergreen.edu/events/springcolloquium/agnesbaker.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130615154944/http://www.evergreen.edu/events/springcolloquium/agnesbaker.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130615154944/http://www.evergreen.edu/events/springcolloquium/agnesbaker.htm
| archive-date = 2013-06-15
| archive-date = June 15, 2013
| url-status = dead
| url-status = dead
}}
}}
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Pilgrim was born on September 11, 1924<ref>[http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=39 Agnes Baker Pilgrim<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406124809/http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=39 |date=April 6, 2009 }}</ref> having been delivered by Elizabeth Juliana Tole Harney, Pilgrim' grandmother who was a [[midwife]].<ref>Baker-Pilgrim A. Biography</ref> Her family was poor during the [[Great Depression in the United States|Depression]] and survived with no electricity.<ref name=autogenerated3>Native Village Publications</ref>
Pilgrim was born on September 11, 1924<ref>[http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=39 Agnes Baker Pilgrim<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406124809/http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=39 |date=April 6, 2009 }}</ref> having been delivered by Elizabeth Juliana Tole Harney, Pilgrim's grandmother who was a [[midwife]].<ref>Baker-Pilgrim A. Biography</ref> Her family was poor during the [[Great Depression in the United States|Depression]] and survived with no electricity.<ref name=autogenerated3>Native Village Publications</ref>


Grandma Aggie, as she is affectionately known, has had a rich and varied working life ranging from working for the [[Indian Health Service]] as a physician's assistant, an [[Intervention (counseling)|alcohol and drug counselor]], a [[Scrubs (occupation)|scrub nurse]], a [[Lumberjack|logger]], a [[singer]], a [[Bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]], a [[barber]] in a [[jail]] and a [[Racing driver#Stock car racing|stock car racing driver]].<ref>Penn State</ref>
Grandma Aggie, as she was affectionately known, had a rich and varied working life ranging from working for the [[Indian Health Service]] as a physician's assistant, an [[Intervention (counseling)|alcohol and drug counselor]], a [[Scrubs (occupation)|scrub nurse]], a [[Lumberjack|logger]], a singer, a [[Bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]], a [[barber]] in a jail and a [[Racing driver#Stock car racing|stock car racing driver]].<ref>{{cite AV media |date=22 July 2009 |title=Grandma Aggie - Conversations from Penn State |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8XNvHRDu8E |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/d8XNvHRDu8E |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|access-date=17 July 2020 |publisher=WPSU |ref=Penn State}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Thrice married, Pilgrim had three daughters and three sons. Pilgrim also has twenty [[grandchildren]], thirty-one [[Grandparent#Great-grandparents|great grandchildren]] and a [[Grandparent#Great-grandparents|great great grandchild]].<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.18</ref>
Married three times, Pilgrim had three daughters and three sons. Pilgrim also had twenty [[grandchildren]], thirty-one [[Grandparent#Great-grandparents|great grandchildren]] and a [[Grandparent#Great-grandparents|great great grandchild]].<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.18</ref>


In 1982 Pilgrim was seriously ill with [[cancer]]. Pilgrim claims that she asked the [[Great Spirit|Creator]] to let her live as she had lots of friends and family who relied on her, and that, she had a lot left to do in the world. Ever since that time she has had a transformation and gravitated to a very spiritual type of life - even though Pilgrim admits to have initially being reluctant to travel her spiritual path as she doubted her worthiness for this task.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.17</ref>
In 1982 Pilgrim was seriously ill with cancer. Pilgrim claimed that she asked the [[Great Spirit|Creator]] to let her live as she had many friends and family who relied on her, and that, she had a lot left to do in the world. Ever since that time she had a transformation and gravitated to a very spiritual type of life – even though Pilgrim admitted to have initially being reluctant to travel her spiritual path as she doubted her worthiness for this task.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.17</ref>


Agnes Baker Pilgrim spoke of her life, her calling and her philosophy in an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED27XcP9_rY oral history] collected on January 23, 2018 on the banks of the Rogue River in Grants Pass, Oregon as part of the Stories of Southern Oregon project at Southern Oregon University.
Agnes Baker Pilgrim spoke of her life, her calling and her philosophy in an oral history collected on January 23, 2018 on the banks of the Rogue River in Grants Pass, Oregon as part of the Stories of Southern Oregon project at Southern Oregon University.


==Sacred Salmon Ceremony==
==Sacred Salmon Ceremony==
A ceremony to welcome, [[Blessing|bless]], and thank the returning [[salmon]] each year was held by the [[Takelma]] tribe, as well as many other Indian tribes in the northwest United States and Canada, .<ref name=autogenerated1 /> However, for 140 years, due to the loss of traditional ways, the ceremony was not performed publicly by the Takelma tribe.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> To revive the ceremony, Pilgrim and her late husband Grant Pilgrim (Yurok tribe), visited with area tribes that continued to perform this ceremony. Following numerous visits to ceremonial and spiritual gatherings of northwest tribes, the Pilgrims brought back their version of the [[ceremony]] to Southern Oregon.<ref name=autogenerated2>Baker-Pilgrim, A, Salmon Ceremony '94-'06</ref><ref name=Holden2009>{{cite journal|last=Holden|first=Madronna|title=Re-storying the World: Reviving the Language of Life|journal=Australian Humanities Review|date=November 2009|issue=47|url=http://www.australianhumanitiesreview.org/archive/Issue-November-2009/holden.html|access-date=2013-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124173730/http://www.australianhumanitiesreview.org/archive/Issue-November-2009/holden.html|archive-date=2012-11-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to Pilgrim's contribution in returning the Salmon Ceremony to [[Jackson County, Oregon|Jackson County]], she is known to some locals as the 'Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony'.<ref name = "evergreen"/><ref>Doty, T, Ceremonies</ref>
A ceremony to welcome, [[Blessing|bless]], and thank the returning [[salmon]] each year was held by the [[Takelma]] tribe, as well as many other Indian tribes in the northwest United States and Canada, .<ref name=autogenerated1 /> However, for 140 years, due to the loss of traditional ways, the ceremony was not performed publicly by the Takelma tribe.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> To revive the ceremony, Pilgrim and her late husband Grant Pilgrim (Yurok tribe), visited with area tribes that continued to perform this ceremony. Following numerous visits to ceremonial and spiritual gatherings of northwest tribes, the Pilgrims brought back their version of the [[ceremony]] to Southern Oregon.<ref name=autogenerated2>Baker-Pilgrim, A, Salmon Ceremony '94–'06</ref><ref name=Holden2009>{{cite journal|last=Holden|first=Madronna|title=Re-storying the World: Reviving the Language of Life|journal=Australian Humanities Review|date=November 2009|issue=47|doi=10.22459/AHR.47.2009.12|url=http://www.australianhumanitiesreview.org/archive/Issue-November-2009/holden.html|access-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124173730/http://www.australianhumanitiesreview.org/archive/Issue-November-2009/holden.html|archive-date=November 24, 2012|url-status=dead|doi-access=free}}</ref> Due to Pilgrim's contribution in returning the Salmon Ceremony to [[Jackson County, Oregon|Jackson County]], she is known to some locals as the 'Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony'.<ref name = "evergreen"/><ref>Doty, T, Ceremonies</ref>


A great deal of interest has since been shown by the [[National Geographic magazine]] and the [[World Wildlife Fund]] and [[Martha Stewart]] due to the unprecedented increase in salmon seen in the river since the ceremony has been performed.<ref name=autogenerated4>Supriano, S, (2009-04-06)</ref>{{citation needed|date=June 2013}}
A great deal of interest has since been shown by the [[National Geographic magazine]] and the [[World Wildlife Fund]] and [[Martha Stewart]] due to the unprecedented increase in salmon seen in the river since the ceremony has been performed.<ref name=autogenerated4>Supriano, S, (6 April 2009)</ref>{{citation needed|date=June 2013}}


The ceremony is annually held on the bank of the [[Applegate River]] in Southwest [[Oregon]]<ref name=autogenerated2 />
The ceremony is annually held on the bank of the [[Applegate River]] in Southwest [[Oregon]]<ref name=autogenerated2 />


==Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Youth Academy==
==Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Youth Academy==
While studying psychology and Native American studies at Southern Oregon University at the age of 50, Pilgrim co-founded the Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Native American Summer Youth Academy.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> She is the Elder-Woman-in-Residence for the Academy.<ref>{{Cite web
While studying psychology and Native American studies at Southern Oregon University at the age of 50, Pilgrim co-founded the Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Native American Summer Youth Academy.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> She was the Elder-Woman-in-Residence for the Academy.<ref>{{Cite web
|title=President's Page
|title=President's Page
|work=Southern Oregon University
|publisher=Southern Oregon University
|accessdate=2013-06-17
|accessdate=June 17, 2013
|url=http://www.sou.edu/president/newsroom/enews-I-5.html
|url=http://www.sou.edu/president/newsroom/enews-I-5.html
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109023035/http://www.sou.edu/president/newsroom/enews-I-5.html
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109023035/http://www.sou.edu/president/newsroom/enews-I-5.html
|archivedate=2013-01-09
|archivedate=January 9, 2013
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==The International Council of 13 Grandmothers==
==The International Council of 13 Grandmothers==
{{Main|International Council of 13 Grandmothers}}
{{Main|International Council of 13 Grandmothers}}
In 2004, Pilgrim was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the [[International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers]]. Pilgrim is the oldest of the Grandmothers and was [[election|elected]] as the council's [[Chairperson]].<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.19</ref>
In 2004, Pilgrim was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the [[International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers]]. Pilgrim was the oldest of the Grandmothers and was elected as the council's Chairpersonchairman.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.19</ref>


The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom.
The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom.


Pilgrim considers the [[International Council of 13 Grandmothers]] not to have come together by accident, coming at the eleventh hour to be "a voice for the voiceless."<ref>Harcourt-Smith</ref>
Pilgrim considered the [[International Council of 13 Grandmothers]] not to have come together by accident, coming at the eleventh hour to be "a voice for the voiceless."<ref>Harcourt-Smith</ref>


In 2008, she traveled with the group on "a trip to Rome to try to get Pope Benedict XVI to rescind historical papal bulls, which played a role in the genocidal onslaught of indigenous people worldwide," according to [[Indian Country Today Media Network]].<ref>{{Cite news
In 2008, she traveled with the group on "a trip to Rome to try to get Pope Benedict XVI to rescind historical papal bulls, which played a role in the genocidal onslaught of indigenous people worldwide," according to [[Indian Country Today Media Network]].<ref>{{Cite news
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| title = Chief grandma tells it how it is
| title = Chief grandma tells it how it is
| work = [[Indian Country Today Media Network]]
| work = [[Indian Country Today Media Network]]
| accessdate = 2013-06-16
| accessdate = June 16, 2013
| date = 2008-08-23
| date = August 23, 2008
| url = http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/ictarchives/2008/08/23/chief-grandma-tells-it-how-it-is-2-79614
| url = http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/ictarchives/2008/08/23/chief-grandma-tells-it-how-it-is-2-79614
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Pilgrim's likeness is featured in the bronze statue, ''We Are Here'', in downtown [[Ashland, Oregon]]. Pilgrim attended the dedication ceremony on May 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valencia|first=Mandy|title='We Are Here': Bronze update of statue honoring Native Americans returns to downtown|url=http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130524/LIFE/305240301/-1/NEWSMAP|accessdate=11 June 2013|newspaper=Ashland Daily Tidings|date=24 May 2013}}</ref>
Pilgrim's likeness is featured in the bronze statue, ''We Are Here'', in downtown [[Ashland, Oregon]]. Pilgrim attended the dedication ceremony on May 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valencia|first=Mandy|title='We Are Here'|url=https://ashlandtidings.com/archive/-we-are-here--04-27-2018-073359899|accessdate=June 11, 2013|newspaper=Ashland Daily Tidings|date=May 24, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718003500/https://ashlandtidings.com/archive/-we-are-here--04-27-2018-073359899|archivedate=18 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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* Harcourt-Smith, J, [https://web.archive.org/web/20100227200904/http://www.futureprimitive.org/13grandmothers.html Future Primitive on the international council of thirteen indigenous grandmothers]
* Harcourt-Smith, J, [https://web.archive.org/web/20100227200904/http://www.futureprimitive.org/13grandmothers.html Future Primitive on the international council of thirteen indigenous grandmothers]
* McCowan, K, Canku Ota (Many Paths), [https://web.archive.org/web/20110615044143/http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues04/Co07032004/CO_07032004_SalmonCeremony.htm Tribal Elder Keeps Salmon Ceremony Going Strong].
* McCowan, K, Canku Ota (Many Paths), [https://web.archive.org/web/20110615044143/http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues04/Co07032004/CO_07032004_SalmonCeremony.htm Tribal Elder Keeps Salmon Ceremony Going Strong].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100309113058/http://www.nativevillage.org/INTERNATIONAL%20COUNCIL%20OF%2013%20INDIGENOUS%20GR/Each%20GR%20Home%20Page/Agnes%20Baker-Pilgrim/Agnes%20Baker-Pilgrim%20Homepage.htm Native Village Publications, Grandmother Agnes Baker-Pilgrim]
* {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100309113058/http://www.nativevillage.org/INTERNATIONAL%20COUNCIL%20OF%2013%20INDIGENOUS%20GR/Each%20GR%20Home%20Page/Agnes%20Baker-Pilgrim/Agnes%20Baker-Pilgrim%20Homepage.htm Native Village Publications, Grandmother Agnes Baker-Pilgrim]}}
* {{Cite episode
* {{Cite episode
|publisher=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]
|publisher=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]
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|title=Wisdom of Indigenous Grandmothers: Guests, Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Jyoti Prevatt, Carol Schaefer
|title=Wisdom of Indigenous Grandmothers: Guests, Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Jyoti Prevatt, Carol Schaefer
|series=Here On Earth: Radio Without Borders
|series=Here On Earth: Radio Without Borders
|date=2008-01-22
|date=January 22, 2008
|url=http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_080122k.cfm
|url=http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_080122k.cfm
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131075127/http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_080122k.cfm
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131075127/http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_080122k.cfm
|archivedate=2013-01-31
|archivedate=January 31, 2013
}}
}}
*{{cite book|last=Schaefer|first=Carol|title=Grandmothers counsel the world : women elders offer their vision for our planet|year=2006|publisher=Trumpeter/[[Shambhala Publications]]|location=Boston|isbn=9781590302934}}
*{{cite book|last=Schaefer|first=Carol|title=Grandmothers counsel the world : women elders offer their vision for our planet|year=2006|publisher=Trumpeter/[[Shambhala Publications]]|location=Boston|isbn=9781590302934}}
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== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100317050952/http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/ Agnes' Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100317050952/http://www.agnesbakerpilgrim.org/ Agnes' Official website]
* [http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/ International Council of 13 of Indigenous Grandmothers Official Website]
* [http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/ International Council of 13 of Indigenous Grandmothers Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724013337/http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/ |date=July 24, 2010 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719071448/http://conversations.psu.edu/episodes/grandma_aggie "Grandma Aggie" interviewed on ''Conversations from Penn State'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719071448/http://conversations.psu.edu/episodes/grandma_aggie "Grandma Aggie" interviewed on ''Conversations from Penn State'']
* [http://www.forthenext7generations.com/ Official website for documentary]
* [http://www.forthenext7generations.com/ Official website for documentary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008022508/http://www.forthenext7generations.com/ |date=October 8, 2019 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100226152225/http://www.sou.edu/natam/konaway.shtml Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Youth Academy]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100226152225/http://www.sou.edu/natam/konaway.shtml Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Youth Academy]
* [http://vimeo.com/6538094 For The Next Seven Generations Film Trailer]
* [http://vimeo.com/6538094 For The Next Seven Generations Film Trailer]
* [http://sacredstudies.org/ The Center for Sacred Studies]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190528025245/http://www.sacredstudies.org/ The Center for Sacred Studies]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100203160038/http://www.turtleislandstorytellers.net/tis_oregon/transcript_a_pilgrim.htm Turtle Island Storyteller, Grandmother Agnes talks about water]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100203160038/http://www.turtleislandstorytellers.net/tis_oregon/transcript_a_pilgrim.htm Turtle Island Storyteller, Grandmother Agnes talks about water]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091221001556/http://conversations.psu.edu/episodes/grandma_aggie Conversations from Penn State - Interview with Grandmother Agnes]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091221001556/http://conversations.psu.edu/episodes/grandma_aggie Conversations from Penn State – Interview with Grandmother Agnes]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090809110936/http://www.shambhala.com/html/catalog/items/isbn/978-1-59030-293-4.cfm?selectedText=EXCERPT_CHAPTER Statement of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090809110936/http://www.shambhala.com/html/catalog/items/isbn/978-1-59030-293-4.cfm?selectedText=EXCERPT_CHAPTER Statement of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100227200904/http://www.futureprimitive.org/13grandmothers.html Future Primitive interview with Agnes]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100227200904/http://www.futureprimitive.org/13grandmothers.html Future Primitive interview with Agnes]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED27XcP9_rY <nowiki>Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Grandma Aggie. Stories of Southern Oregon [videotaped oral history], January 23, 2018</nowiki>]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED27XcP9_rY <nowiki>Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Grandma Aggie. Stories of Southern Oregon [videotaped oral history], January 23, 2018</nowiki>]
* {{cite news |last1=Ayers |first1=Jane |title='Grandma Aggie' leaves a lasting impact |url=https://mailtribune.com/news/top-stories/grandma-aggie-leaves-a-lasting-impact |accessdate=18 July 2020 |work=Mail Tribune |date=3 Dec 2019}}
* {{cite news |title=Agnes Pilgrim, indigenous-rights advocate and oldest member of Oregon's Takelma tribe, dies at 95 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2019/11/agnes-pilgrim-indigenous-rights-advocate-and-oldest-member-of-oregons-takelma-tribe-dies-at-95.html |accessdate=18 July 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=28 Nov 2019}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilgrim, Agnes Baker}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilgrim, Agnes Baker}}
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:1924 births]]
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[[Category:2019 deaths]]
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[[Category:20th-century Native American leaders]]
[[Category:21st-century Native Americans]]
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[[Category:Activists from Oregon]]
[[Category:American women environmentalists]]
[[Category:American women environmentalists]]
[[Category:American humanitarians]]
[[Category:Women Native American leaders]]
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[[Category:Female Native American leaders]]
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[[Category:Religious figures of the indigenous peoples of North America]]
[[Category:Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest]]
[[Category:Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest]]
[[Category:People from Grants Pass, Oregon]]
[[Category:People from Grants Pass, Oregon]]
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[[Category:Religious figures of the indigenous peoples of North America]]
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[[Category:1924 births]]
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[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Sustainability advocates]]
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[[Category:Takelma people]]
[[Category:Southern Oregon University alumni]]
[[Category:Southern Oregon University alumni]]
[[Category:Activists from Oregon]]
[[Category:American sustainability advocates]]
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[[Category:Takelma people]]
[[Category:20th-century Native American women]]
[[Category:21st-century Native American women]]

Latest revision as of 03:02, 31 July 2024

Agnes Baker Pilgrim
Taowhywee (or Morningstar)
Pilgrim (with friend)
Takelma, Confederated Tribes of Siletz leader
Personal details
Born(1924-09-11)September 11, 1924
Logsden, Oregon
DiedNovember 27, 2019(2019-11-27) (aged 95)
Grants Pass, Oregon
EducationTaft High School; Southern Oregon State College
Known forChairperson of International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers; brought back the 'Salmon Ceremony' to Southern Oregon after 150 years.
NicknameGrandma Aggie

Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim (September 11, 1924 – November 27, 2019) was a Native American spiritual elder from Grants Pass, Oregon.[1] She was the oldest member of her tribe, the Takelma.[2][3] She was also the granddaughter of Jack Harney, the first elected Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz.[4] Pilgrim was Elected Chairperson of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers at its founding in 2004.[5] "She was honored as a "Living Treasure" by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and as a "Living Cultural Legend" by the Oregon Council of the Arts."[3]

Personal life

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Pilgrim was born on September 11, 1924[6] having been delivered by Elizabeth Juliana Tole Harney, Pilgrim's grandmother who was a midwife.[7] Her family was poor during the Depression and survived with no electricity.[8]

Grandma Aggie, as she was affectionately known, had a rich and varied working life ranging from working for the Indian Health Service as a physician's assistant, an alcohol and drug counselor, a scrub nurse, a logger, a singer, a bouncer, a barber in a jail and a stock car racing driver.[9]

Married three times, Pilgrim had three daughters and three sons. Pilgrim also had twenty grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren and a great great grandchild.[10]

In 1982 Pilgrim was seriously ill with cancer. Pilgrim claimed that she asked the Creator to let her live as she had many friends and family who relied on her, and that, she had a lot left to do in the world. Ever since that time she had a transformation and gravitated to a very spiritual type of life – even though Pilgrim admitted to have initially being reluctant to travel her spiritual path as she doubted her worthiness for this task.[11]

Agnes Baker Pilgrim spoke of her life, her calling and her philosophy in an oral history collected on January 23, 2018 on the banks of the Rogue River in Grants Pass, Oregon as part of the Stories of Southern Oregon project at Southern Oregon University.

Sacred Salmon Ceremony

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A ceremony to welcome, bless, and thank the returning salmon each year was held by the Takelma tribe, as well as many other Indian tribes in the northwest United States and Canada, .[4] However, for 140 years, due to the loss of traditional ways, the ceremony was not performed publicly by the Takelma tribe.[8] To revive the ceremony, Pilgrim and her late husband Grant Pilgrim (Yurok tribe), visited with area tribes that continued to perform this ceremony. Following numerous visits to ceremonial and spiritual gatherings of northwest tribes, the Pilgrims brought back their version of the ceremony to Southern Oregon.[12][13] Due to Pilgrim's contribution in returning the Salmon Ceremony to Jackson County, she is known to some locals as the 'Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony'.[3][14]

A great deal of interest has since been shown by the National Geographic magazine and the World Wildlife Fund and Martha Stewart due to the unprecedented increase in salmon seen in the river since the ceremony has been performed.[15][citation needed]

The ceremony is annually held on the bank of the Applegate River in Southwest Oregon[12]

Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Youth Academy

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While studying psychology and Native American studies at Southern Oregon University at the age of 50, Pilgrim co-founded the Konanway Nika Tillicum (All My Relations) Native American Summer Youth Academy.[8] She was the Elder-Woman-in-Residence for the Academy.[16]

The International Council of 13 Grandmothers

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Main article: International Council of 13 Grandmothers

In 2004, Pilgrim was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Pilgrim was the oldest of the Grandmothers and was elected as the council's Chairpersonchairman.[17]

The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom.

Pilgrim considered the International Council of 13 Grandmothers not to have come together by accident, coming at the eleventh hour to be "a voice for the voiceless."[18]

In 2008, she traveled with the group on "a trip to Rome to try to get Pope Benedict XVI to rescind historical papal bulls, which played a role in the genocidal onslaught of indigenous people worldwide," according to Indian Country Today Media Network.[19]

Legacy

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Pilgrim's likeness is featured in the bronze statue, We Are Here, in downtown Ashland, Oregon. Pilgrim attended the dedication ceremony on May 24, 2013.[20]

Notes

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  1. ^ Schaefer (2006) p.15
  2. ^ "Heartland: Just Like Grandma Told You". Utne Reader. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Agnes Baker Pilgrim – North America at Evergreen". The Evergreen State College. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  4. ^ a b McCowan, K, (2004)
  5. ^ Schaefer (2006) p. 2
  6. ^ Agnes Baker Pilgrim Archived April 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Baker-Pilgrim A. Biography
  8. ^ a b c Native Village Publications
  9. ^ Grandma Aggie - Conversations from Penn State. WPSU. July 22, 2009. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  10. ^ Schaefer (2006) p.18
  11. ^ Schaefer (2006) p.17
  12. ^ a b Baker-Pilgrim, A, Salmon Ceremony '94–'06
  13. ^ Holden, Madronna (November 2009). "Re-storying the World: Reviving the Language of Life". Australian Humanities Review (47). doi:10.22459/AHR.47.2009.12. Archived from the original on November 24, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  14. ^ Doty, T, Ceremonies
  15. ^ Supriano, S, (6 April 2009)
  16. ^ "President's Page". Southern Oregon University. Archived from the original on January 9, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  17. ^ Schaefer (2006) p.19
  18. ^ Harcourt-Smith
  19. ^ Cappricioso, Rob (August 23, 2008). "Chief grandma tells it how it is". Indian Country Today Media Network. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  20. ^ Valencia, Mandy (May 24, 2013). "'We Are Here'". Ashland Daily Tidings. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2013.

References

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