Honoring Ada Deer
Ada Deer, member of the Menomonee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, lived a life of impact as a social worker, advocate, and change agent in Wisconsin and beyond. Ada passed away on August 15, 2023, just after her 88th birthday. Many at UW-Green Bay knew her and know of her amazing legacy.
The Ada Deer Social Work Scholarship at UW-Green Bay was named in her honor in 2020 and supports social work students. Supporting the scholarship can be done through:
- Giving ONLINE
- Mailing a check made out to UW-Green Bay Foundation; Indicate that you donation is to the Ada Deer Social Work Scholarship and send to UW-Green Bay Foundation, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7003
Ada Deer, a member of the Menomonee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, will be remembered as a fierce advocate for native rights and social justice. Her work made a difference, across Wisconsin and the country. She was chosen by President Bill Clinton to serve as the assistant secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, the first woman to hold this position. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Master of Social Work degree from the New York School of Social Work (later Columbia University School of Social Work). Article about Ada Deer: Ada Deer, Native American Voice Inside Government and Out, Dies at 88 – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
