The Saint Paul Area Council of Churches is mourning the loss of Sheila WhiteEagle, who lost her four-year battle with breast cancer on Saturday, June 7. Sheila was the Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches’ Department of Indian Work program for more than 20 years and worked for the program for 36 years. The funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saint Paul, MN. The DIW office will be closed Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12.

Under Sheila’s leadership, DIW has expanded from the Emergency

First Lady Laura Bush poses with Renita Picotte (SPACC) and Sheila WhiteEagle (DIW)

Services food and clothing rooms to include parenting and youth enrichment programs and diabetes education. Other career highlights include:

Began the Elders Transportation program with the American Red Cross

Worked with the community to build an Elders Lodge, now located in Saint Paul

For ten years, worked with the Church World Services CROP Walk event to raise awareness and help with local and global hunger

Worked

with community on 13 annual University of St. Thomas pow wow events

In 1989, Sheila launched the American Indian Parenting Program

In 1992, Sheila began the American Indian Youth Enrichment after-school and summer programs, which last summer was recognized by First Lady Laura Bush

In 1993, Sheila was recognized with the McKnight Award

In

Peace Pole

2001, Sheila led the Family Education Diabetes Program, which has grown to now include education for youth and a partnership with the University of Minnesota

To make a gift to the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches in memory of Sheila WhiteEagle, please click here.