Cecelia Fire Thunder
Oglala Sioux
Cecelia left the reservation when she was 15 years old but returned home in 1987. South Dakota-born, she was given the Lakota name of Good Hearted Woman. She is a licensed nurse, widely known as an advocate for wellness and women’s issues, and for her unique way of reaching the hearts of communities and people. Cecelia has co-written several healing and wellness curricula including the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) for CSAP. She has presented at over 50 national conferences in the US and Canada. Cecelia is presently the Board President for KILI Radio and hosts the community healing programs. She is a Board member for the Native Wellness Institute and is instrumental in bringing wellness gatherings to Indian Country. Her skills include superior translation of English to Lakota, and she is recognized internationally for her traditional doll making. Cecelia’s humor, tears, hugs, hope, encouragement, and care have helped others begin their journey to wellness and balance.