The Indigenous Association, in partnership with the City of Fargo, hosted its annual Indigenous Peoples Day kickoff breakfast on Monday, October 12. As part of the community event, the Gladys Ray Indigenous Peoples Day Award was presented to Georgianna Warren for her compassionate service to people experiencing homelessness and addiction.
Warren, who grew up on the White Earth Reservation, has worked for more than three years in Fargo Cass Public Health’s Withdrawal Management Unit, co-located with the Gladys Ray Shelter in Fargo. She currently serves as a harm reduction team lead. Previously, she worked as a behavioral technician at the ShareHouse treatment center. Warren draws on her own experiences with homelessness and addiction to connect with guests and care for them with kindness and dignity. As Warren explained, remembering her own experiences helps her treat guests the way she would want to be treated in the same situation. In nominating Warren for the award, her co-worker described her as a genuine person and active listener who has a deep understanding of what guests may be going through.
The Gladys Ray Indigenous Peoples Day Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Fargo’s Indigenous community. It was created in honor of Gladys Shingobe Ray. A dedicated lifelong human rights advocate and volunteer, Ray served her community through her involvement with many organizations and by helping to develop numerous programs. She advocated for all people, especially Indigenous peoples, children and people experiencing homelessness. She served as a mentor and advisor to many individuals and projects. Ray was devoted to sharing her love, wisdom and strength with her family, friends and everyone she knew.
Past Award Recipients
2016: Jaclynn Davis Wallette
2017: Mary T. John
2018: Willard Yellow Bird
2019: Audra Stonefish
2020: Melody Staebner
2021: Joe Williams
2022: Darlene Ten Bear
2023: Brandon Baity
2024: Gretchen Dobervich
2025: Christy Goulet