FOUNDER & CHAIR

Amanda is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a descendant of Chief Solomon Riggs (Umpqua). She is a certified Victims Advocate in the state of Oregon and owner of Ampkwa Images, a professional photography business focused on cultural preservation and MMIP awareness. She has over a decade of experience in community organizing, cultural education, and survivor-centered advocacy. She finds peace in the mountains with her dogs and clarity through the lens of her camera. She uses her art to tell stories, raise awareness, and connect people to the reality of MMIP.

“This work is deeply personal. I founded Ampkwa Advocacy because I saw a need for something real—something grounded in culture, compassion, and action. Our people deserve to be safe, seen, and supported. I believe in prevention, not just awareness. I believe in honoring those we’ve lost by protecting those still here.”

CO-CHAIR

Kola is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She is a personal safety consultant and motivational speaker with an associate degree in business leadership. She is also a professional athlete in mixed martial arts and football. She holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been a model, actress and podcast host. She enjoys hunting, powwow, and is a member of the Nixyaawii Longhouse. 

“My family has experienced the direct impact of the rising crisis of missing and murdered relatives. It is my duty to serve my people in whatever way I can, utilizing my voice and skills to fight against the system put in place to assimilate our people. Ampkwa Advocacy provides time and space to the community to heal and cultivate connections with other families and advocates.”

SECRETARY

Camille is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. She is currently CEO of Spirit Mountain Casino and has previously served as director of human resources for CTGR. She holds an MBA from Willamette Atkinson School of Management and a BA from George Fox University. She loves living in the country, with her pets and family. She spends a lot of time beading and making hand drums, and finds healing in the act of creating.

“Indigenous causes are meaningful to me because I want to give back to my community in meaningful ways. Sadly, indigenous people are victims of violence at alarming rates without much advocacy.”

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Michael is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and has previously served as an elected Tribal Council member, Executive Director for the Spirit Mountain Community Fund and Grand Ronde Gaming Commissioner. She is currently a staffer in the Oregon State Legislature and pursuing a Masters Degree in clinical mental health counseling at George Fox University. She is a field representative for the American Foundation for Suicide prevention and fierce advocate of anti-bullying. She is a proud wife, mom of five, grandmother of five, and an artist.

“MMIP is a national crisis and serving on the Ampkwa Advocacy board is a way to roll up our sleeves and actively work against these injustices by advocating for education, awareness and to help bring healing to Indigenous communities.”

TREASURER

Marian is a bookkeeper and  licensed tax consultant with 15 years of experience serving small businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations.  She has served on the board of several nonprofits. When not crunching numbers she is happiest making paper art, galloping up logging roads on her horses and working in her garden. She can often be found laughing with her husband, family, and friends, or curled up with a book under a pile of dogs and cats.

“I am deeply inspired by the founders of Ampkwa Advocacy and honored to offer my support as an ally and champion for the MMIP cause. I am dedicated to using my voice, skills, and privilege to champion the challenging work our organization is undertaking.”