Memories of Gina

Lanisha Bell and Robert Ben, Family Violence and Victim's Services, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Halito To All of Our Native Brothers and Sisters:



On behalf of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Family Violence and Victim’s Services Program we send our support, thoughts, and prayers for the family and friends of Gina. We honor the accomplishments and the true “Grass Roots” efforts that she was involved in that affected all of our Native communities. Gina was a strong and powerful “voice” that added value and validation to the work that was being accomplished. Gina was also a great mentor. She empowered others (both veterans and new advocates) to get involved in this movement of not only serving victims in our own communities, but to all Native communities. Unified is the mechanism that brings us together, through one body and one spirit. So we hope and pray to see this legacy continue and be passed to future generations.



May God bless each and every one of you and we pray for traveling mercies to the family and friends that will be attending the ceremony.



Lanisha Bell & Robert Ben

Family Violence and Victim’s Services

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Mark Waukau Sr. and Kevin Brennenstuhl, Menominee Tribal Police

Posoh to All of Our Friends-

On behalf of the Menominee Tribal Police Department in Wisconsin, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and relatives of Gina and especially our friends and colleagues at Unified Solutions Inc. Because of Gina's efforts and vision for Indian Country, we can continue to provide our community members with a unique set of skills and services that can be carried on for future generations. In our traditional ways we are always told from our elders that when someone leaves us and they go on to the spirit world, that person is going to a good place where they will be happy forever. They will not have to worry about being sick or hungry anymore and they are going home to be with their relatives.
That person will be in our hearts and minds forever, and I'm sure that each and every one of you who knew her and worked with her can reflect on this during this time. If there is anything we can do to assist the relatives, friends or staff during this time, please do not hesitate to call on us, we will be there for you.

Waewaenen,

Mark Waukau Sr.
Kevin Brennenstuhl

Rosalie Jones and Linda Bull Bear, Oglala Sioux Tribe Victims Assistance

I am left speechless, there is so much nice words that can be said about Gina, her compassion, her love her heart but I cannot begin to express the feelings I am feeling now. The loss to everyone and to even the people who did not have the great honor to meet Gina as we all did. We are so blessed and I am so honored to have known Gina, even though we have not seen her as often as we would have liked, she will be missed greatly.

Our Prayers and love go out to everyone whose heart and soul Gina has touched, and please send a special thank you to her family for sharing Gina with us.

Mary Dodd, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

I had heard of her illness, but seeing her in Palm Springs, I thought to myself that it must not be true...she looked happy and the hug she gave felt like it had always...warm, sincere, and caring. She provided we me with encouragement and always reminded me of the good work I was doing (you know-sometimes you forget in the midst of the chaos that can go on). I'll always remember the support and feeling at ease, when she came to do a site visit. I will forever feel honored that I had the opportunity to meet such a beautiful, compassionate person. We have truly been blessed to have had an angel among us. She's gone home.

Lisa Thompson, Ex. Director, Wiconi Wawokiya, Inc.

OMG words cannot express what I am feeling and how all of you are feeling when I read this. I am deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with all the stafff and her family. Gina was an inspiration to all and she made a difference in the work she did and the T&TA that she brought to the grantees were very impressive and unique. She will be deeply missed!

Corrine, Tewa Women United

On the wings of Spirit Gina has been carried home. Joining the breath of all ancestors to continue to give life, courage and energy back to all of us to carry forward her dream, her vision.

We, at Tewa Women United, are proud to have joined with her in her fight to give survivors of all crimes a space to heal, reclaim voice, and thrive through their darkest times.

Gina's smile, words and hugs will always be remember and will always be an inspiration as we continue to carry her work forward.

Peace and love to you all in this time of sadness, remembering and reflecting.

In light and love, Corrine

Nikki Jo Finkbonner, LVOC Coordinator

My heartfelt prayers go out to all of you and her family. I remember all the nice conversations (uplifting support) with Gina when I first became a Coordinator and her continued words of wisdom (encouragement) to succeed as a leader. I feel successful with the help of a great leader mentor who will always have a place in my heart to end violence in Indian Country!!! Love you all!

Michael Kaiser, Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance

Stan, Dianne and all the Unified Staff:

I was very saddened to hear about Gina's death. I know she fought the good fight on her own terms for a long time. She will be deeply missed.

As you might know, I was involved with Gina's efforts from day one. I met her at a advisory board meeting that Jo Halle and Native American Circle were holding on their domestic violence project. Awhile later when Gina decided to go for the OVC training and TA grant I offered to help in any way. She sent me the proposal to review and quite frankly I was blown away. It was one of the best, most thoughtful approaches to the TA effort I had see. In fact better, than most of the National Center's proposals I had worked on. I was pleased when I saw that OVC saw the wisdom in the proposal as well.

I know that Gina's spirit, guidance, and passion for the issues underlies all you do. The work you have done since Unified was founded has been nothing less than exceptional.

I always appreciated my conversations with Gina over the years. She was a victim advocate of the highest order who knew in her heart that we could bring dignity and compassion to those hurt by crime and that we could help others join in that effort and begin the healing in their lives and communities.

The work you continue to do will be her legacy. I know that you will continue to grow and be of great service to the many communities you serve.

Again, you have my deepest condolences.

Rebekah Jones, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department

I'm saddened to hear this news but am heartened to see the responses from tribal nations her work has touched all across Indian Country.

This is her legacy. Through her tireless work, Native victims of crime have trained, empathetic advocates to assist them in their recovery - what a beautiful thing. There will never be a way to know exactly how many lives she touched and made better in some small way though the programs she guided and mentored. Her candle lit countless others.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and co-workers in this time of mourning the loss of a loved one.

Renee L. Ironhawk, Director, Cheyenne River Sioux

The feeling of loss is incomprehensible. I just can't wrap my mind around this news. It feels like the air has left my body for a moment.
I send my truest regards, prayers and sympathy to the family of one of the most dynamic, respectful and peace-loving persons I have ever met. Please relay my sentiment. To the Unified Solutions staff, my prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with you.

Chad Dike

I remember when I first talked to Gina on the phone to talk about doing the unified-solutions.org web site. I guess it had been a long day and she could detect that in my voice. Gina said "come on Chad - cheer up! This is fun!" That was a welcome reminder for me to not coast through life, but to truly live life and look for joy even in the routine tasks of each day. I think that is how Gina lived her life. I will miss her very much