Jolene Silk
Advisory Board | Keeper of Teachings & Cultural Wisdom
Jolene Silk is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians whose life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to preserving Indigenous teachings. Through personal experiences, traditional knowledge, and a lifelong relationship with Creator, Jolene has become a quiet yet powerful voice for healing, cultural preservation, and community.
Throughout her life, Jolene has embraced the teachings of the natural world, finding wisdom in plants, water, stones, and the sacred traditions passed down through generations. Her journey has strengthened her belief that some of life's greatest lessons come not through books, but through listening with an open heart and honoring the guidance that Creator provides.
Jolene was the beloved wife of the late Gary A. Silk (Tatanka Chante, Buffalo Heart), a respected Lakota cultural advocate, spiritual guide, and treaty rights activist. Together they shared a life rooted in ceremony, service, and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge. Gary recognized Jolene's intuitive gifts and encouraged her to trust the Teachings that naturally came to her heart, a legacy she continues to honor today.
As a member of the Voices of the Fire Council Advisory Board, Jolene serves as a bridge between lived experience and cultural preservation. Through storytelling, reflection, and heartfelt conversations, she helps ensure that Indigenous voices, traditions, and personal histories are remembered, respected, and carried forward for future generations. Her quiet strength, humility, and compassionate spirit remind us that healing often begins by listening, sharing our stories, and honoring those who walked before us.
Jolene believes every person carries a story worth preserving. By remembering our ancestors, protecting our traditions, and walking with kindness, we leave a path for future generations to follow.
"Creator speaks in many ways. We only need to quiet ourselves long enough to listen." ~ Jolene Silk
