Alisa Smith Woodruff
Alisa Smith Woodruff (she/her) is an enrolled Skokomish Tribal citizen who comes from a family of weavers, teachers, and nurses/caregivers. Her family focuses on traditions and culture. Alisa enjoys spending time with tribal Elders who weave, gather, and dye using traditional Skokomish practices. She was taught basic Twana (Skokomish language) words for animals, plants, seasons, clothing, and numbers. To reciprocate the knowledge, Alisa emphasizes sharing and teaching through her work, with special consideration for future generations and those willing to learn. She was reminded that sharing with our future generations keeps traditions alive and helps others gain a better understanding of traditional practices. For these reasons she is grateful to have been accepted into the Masters in Environmental Science program at Evergreen State College where she has the opportunity to add to the skills she learned at Northwest Indian College. Alisa has also worked to combine both Western and traditional knowledge in internships for NASA and Mount Rainier National Park to enhance knowledge of the Cascade red fox.