Oyáte Kiŋ Wóuŋspe Uŋ Philáič’iyapi

Dr. Alayna Eagle Shield (Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta, Isáŋyathi Dakota, Bdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ Dakota, Pȟaláni) is a proud mother of five, a devoted partner, and a language warrior from the Standing Rock Nation and the Three Affiliated Tribes. Born and raised in the Long Soldier District, she carries deep ties to her ancestors and homelands. Dr. Eagle Shield holds a Master of Public Health from North Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in Culturally Sustaining Education from the University of Washington–Seattle. Her life’s work centers on revitalizing Indigenous languages, uplifting community health, and reclaiming traditional parenting through radical love.

Alayna is a Research Scientist for Seven Directions at the University of Washington. She is also the co-founder and co-Executive Director of Ancestral Sisterhood, serving the Seattle urban Native community, and the visionary co-founder and CEO of Iyotanla, a business that blends healing, art, and activism to honor Indigenous family systems. With Iyotanla, she was previously a lead consultant supporting the development of an American Indian Birth Center project, weaving together traditional birth work, culture, and community design to transform Indigenous maternal and family health. Alayna also co-founded the Mní Wičhóni Nakíčižiŋ Wóuŋspe (Defenders of the Water School), Mni Wichoni Health Circle, and the Native Family Learning Lodge, grassroots and community efforts focused on education and healing through cultural teachings serving the Standing Rock and Seattle areas.