Gwen Powaukee

Gwendolyn Powaukee, also known by her Native name Tiliksh, was born May 4, 1950, in Satus, Washington. She passed away on February 20, 2026, in Lewiston, Idaho.

She was the daughter of Joseph Wak Wak and Elsie Shuster. She attended school in Granger, Washington, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). She spent much of her life working and staying involved in her community. She was employed at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. She also worked at Camp Chaparral and was known as a talented flagger. One of the experiences she remembered most was traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana, to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

She stayed closely connected to the traditional ways. She enjoyed powwows and sports and spent time teaching younger family members what she had learned. She was funny and straightforward, and people appreciated her honesty. She took pride in teaching her nieces and nephews the traditional ways and was a dedicated Kuthla/Ulla, a grandmother who remained present and involved in her grandchildren’s lives.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Powaukee, Sr., brother Joseph Yallup and sisters Beverly Wak Wak and Sidney Wak Wak, and her children Fred Wak Wak, Wilson Wak Wak, Carl Ray Powaukee, Elissia Powaukee, and Richard Powaukee, III. She is also survived by her grandchildren Dominic Quaempts, Jackson Wak Wak, Wayne Bo Wak Wak, Ricky Hayes, Benae Wright, Himiin Powaukee, Tamsaas Powaukee, Faith Powaukee, Carl Ray Powaukee, Jr., Samiina Powaukee, Zamiira Powaukee, Kayeloni Powaukee, Kaiden Powaukee, and Keoni Powaukee.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Wak Wak; mother, Elsie Shuster; brother, Eugene Wak Wake; nieces, Jessica Lewis, April Yallup; and Nephew, Jamie Fiander.

Gwendolyn lived her life close to her family, her work, and her traditions. She will be remembered for how she showed up for her people and the time she gave to those around her.