About Grandma Aggie (Taowhywee)
International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers – President’s Medal – Salmon Ceremony – Salmon Nation Radio – Aggie’s 95th Birthday – Tish Interviews Aggie – Takelma Pit House – Aggie’s Art & Singing With Grant – Voice for the Voiceless
Agnes Baker Pilgrim (1924-2019), also known as Grandma Aggie, was a registered elder of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and granddaughter of Chief George Harney, the first elected chief of the Siletz Nation. She was born near the headwaters of the Siletz River at Logsden, Oregon. She was Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony and a beloved elder of the Takelma people; truly a friend to all.
An alumni of Southern Oregon University and a lifetime member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Grandma Aggie received numerous awards worldwide for her work as a cultural instructor, mentor, historian, role model, and a “voice for the voiceless.” She spoke to audiences across the globe and met with international dignitaries including the Dalai Lama and President Barack Obama.
In 2004, Agnes was invited by the Center for Sacred Studies to be part of the newly formed International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, whose goal is to heal the earth and promote world peace. In this capacity, she traveled the world and served as chairperson for many years.
In 2016, Grandma Aggie published an audiobook, also available in print: Grandma Says: Wake Up, World! The Wisdom, Wit, Advice, and Stories of Grandma Aggie. Here, she shared the teachings of her people and offered ways to connect more deeply with the earth and each other. Grandma Aggie remained active internationally even in her 90s. She was a highly sought-after speaker and renowned spiritual elder the world over. She is survived by four generations who praise and endorse Upriver to Morning for continuing to share her universal life wisdom with people of all ages. After a remarkable 95 years, Agnes Baker Pilgrim passed on November 27, 2019 in Grant Pass, Oregon.
Grandma Aggie Tribute
Adventures in Education with John Letz
Watch Part 1 (27:45)
Watch Part 2 (29:13)
TV host and educator John Letz interviewed Tish McFadden and Thomas Doty for a special two-part tribute to Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Takelma elder and spiritual leader who passed away in November, 2019. These interviews were filmed in the RVTV studios at Southern Oregon University in February of 2020.
Taowhywee – Morning Star – Wisdom from Grandma Aggie
Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim tells her story. This is a compilation of photos and video clips that span several years. Produced by Jaguar Bird in 2018. (22:32)
Advice From Grandma Aggie
In February of 2017, Tish McFadden and Thomas Doty met with Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim to chat with her about Tish’s Upriver to Morning project. As Grandma Aggie sat in her car just before she left, she gave this advice about teaching our children. (1:27)
Life and Times of Grandma Aggie
Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim talks about her life. Filmed along the Rogue River on January 23, 2018. Produced by Stories of Southern Oregon. (1:37:41)
The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers
Grandma Aggie at International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers
“Yes, we have a lot of work to do to have harmony and peace. We have many goals set before us but we can accomplish them by working together. Together we have gifts to bring by teaching what is sacred. We are all in this ‘leaky canoe’ together so we need to be a united force to be reckoned with and we will keep on keeping on until our ‘hearts are on the ground.'”~ Agnes Baker Pilgrim
The Grandmothers
Agnes Baker Pilgrim, spokesperson and eldest member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, speaks about the grandmothers’ hope to change the direction of the world, save Mother Earth, and ensure peace and prosperity for future generations. Produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting in 2009. (57:08)
The Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers inspired The Grandmothers Wisdom Project.
The President’s Medal at Southern Oregon University
On August 14, 2019, Grandma Aggie was awarded the President’s Medal by Southern Oregon University President Linda Schott. The medal recognizes individuals who by their service and actions have made a significant and lasting impact on the university. This award is reserved for those whose service to the university, the region, and the greater community represent such qualities as compassion, integrity, and service. The President’s Medal is the university’s highest honor.
Photos and the Program
Thank you, Southern Oregon University, for bringing us together today to celebrate and honor the generous heart and service of Grandma Aggie. Yes, “It’s all about love.” ~ Tish McFadden
Salmon Ceremony
Takelma elder and Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony Agnes Baker Pilgrim talks about the ancient ceremony on the Rogue River. Produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting in 2015. (6:02)
Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim and storyteller Thomas Doty talk about the Sacred Salmon Ceremony. This interview is an excerpt from a longer interview with Grandma Aggie done by Tish McFadden for her Upriver to Morning project. It was filmed by Pilot Rock Productions on October 7, 2019 at the Rogue River Preserve. (8:46)
Salmon Nation Radio
More about Salmon Nation Radio
Steve, Aggie and Thomas at Tilomikh
Finding the Story Chair
Our producer Katie Davis knew she had something special when she came upon an article by Steve Kiesling detailing his quest to develop a whitewater park. While the idea of building this park was interesting and ambitious, it was what happened while undertaking his task that is truly unique and attracted us to the story…
The Story Chair
We travel to the Rogue River in Oregon where the Takelma Indian tribe lived, before they were massacred by gold miners and forced to a reservation. When they were driven off the land, they took with them a memory of the river, a rock, and a tradition lost.
Radio Broadcast (3:36)
Podcast (10:06)
Grandma Aggie’s 95th Birthday
Tish Interviews Grandma Aggie
In June and October of 2019, Tish McFadden interviewed Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim on the banks of the Rogue River. A two part video.
A Conversation with Agnes Baker Pilgrim and Tish McFadden
Tish McFadden talks with Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim about her life and her teachings, and Tish’s Upriver to Morning education project. This interview was filmed by Pilot Rock Productions at the Rogue River Preserve on June 4 and October 7, 2019. (Part 1 8:43) (Part 2 29:25)
Takelma Pit House
Mystic Corridor – Takelma Pit House with Agnes Baker Pilgrim (2:29)
Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim describes a pit house built in 1999 behind the Kerbyville Museum in Kerby, Oregon. Produced by Mystic Corridor. (2:29)
Agnes Baker Pilgrim’s Art & Singing with Grant
Artist on Your Doorstep – Agnes Baker Pilgrim and her Art (49:21)
Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim shares her art with 2nd grade students. This video was filmed by Julie Norman at Lincoln Elementary School in Grants Pass, Oregon in 2008. Produced by Bonne Chance. (49:21)
Agnes Baker Pilgrim’s late husband Grant was a well-known Yurok drummer and singer. The top left photo shows Grant Pilgrim (kneeling) and Grandma Aggie (in green dress) with friends and relations on Fort Point at the 1993 Port Orford Salmon Bake and Honor Ceremony. Grant passed away in 1996, and Grandma Aggie in 2019.
Two Yurok Gambling Songs
Grandma Aggie’s late husband Grant was a well-known Yurok drummer and singer. Here’s a 1992 recording of Grant and Aggie singing two Yurok gambling songs.
The Songs of the People
This recording was made in the mid 1990s during a gathering of family and friends near Grants Pass, Oregon. Grant was drumming and singing Yurok songs, occasionally joined by Grandma Aggie. Aggie provided commentary and stories. Recorded and produced by Milt and Jamie Lee, with narration by Milt Lee. (28:47)
Voice for the Voiceless
