Se-ah-dom Edmo

Coordinator, Indigenous Ways of Knowing Program

(Shoshone-Bannock/ Nez Perce/ Yakama)

Se-ah-dom’s family comes from a fishing village along the Columbia River called Celilo Falls. Se-ah-dom was born and raised in the Portland Metro area and has spent time living throughout the country and in New Zealand. She is dedicated to furthering positive outcomes for Native American and Alaskan Native people and Indigenous people as a whole. Throughout her work she has been part of creating and expanding: two AmeriCorps Programs, OMSI’s Salmon Camp, The International Research Institute for Maori and Indigenous Education (NZ), OHSU’s School of Medicine Diversity Achievement Programs, and currently, the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Program at Lewis & Clark.

Over the last five years she has been a Traditional Storytelling Apprentice and is learning the traditional protocol involved with transferring traditional knowledge.  She was raised with the traditions of sweating, pipe ceremonies, Washat and other forms of worship that carry traditions through practice. She continues to develop her skills as a storyteller, regalia maker, canoe paddler, gatherer, cook, and beader.   

She currently serves on the boards of the Oregon Indian Education Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, the National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center, Nak-Nu-Wit (Systems of Care Program) at NARA Northwest, and Northwest Indian Storytellers Association as well as many others.  From small groups to large lecture halls, pre-school to university academics, in the U.S. and overseas, she makes connections, improves structures, and brings organization and focus that has assisted in the creation of opportunity and growth for many individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions.

Se-ah-dom strives to be a responsible activist and, personally, practice what she teaches. She lives in Portland with her daughter, Siale.