Ilapayktma Pinkham Bourgeau

Ilapayktma (Red Northern Lights) Pinkham Bourgeau, fondly known as Ila, was born in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 1999, to Kenny Bourgeau Jr. and Tisa Pinkham. Ilapayktma passed away in the arms of his mother in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on October 12, 2025. He was 26 years old.

Ila comes from Nez Perce, Yakama, Cree, Skokomish, and Colville people. A proud Nez Perce, he carried deep pride in his lineage and in the teachings that grounded him throughout his life. Ila received the name of his great-great-grandfather, ilúusilikasat (“Standing on a High Point Signaling”), also known as John Pinkham. His grandfather’s brother, Alfred Pinkham, carried this name prior to Ilapayktma.

When Ila was three years old, he and his mother joined Chiarpah Matheson and his daughters, and together they were warmly embraced by the extended Matheson family. Through the union of Tisa and Chiarpah, the family grew with the arrival of baby brother Kwn’Musi. From this union, Ila gained four sisters — Mary Ann, Sydney, Victoria, and Israelika — who both celebrated and challenged him in the way only siblings can. The closeness, marked by laughter, good-natured rivalry, and unwavering affection, will stand the test of time.

Ilapayktma excelled throughout his education. He carried a lifelong passion for learning both in and out of the classroom. Ila attended Discovery Elementary and North Pines Middle School. He completed his freshman year at University High School and graduated in 2018 from Gonzaga Preparatory High School, where he played football, lacrosse, and track and field. In 2023, Ila completed double majors earning Bachelor degrees in both Business Administration and Advertising from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University.

Ilapayktma was honored to be selected for a ten-month internship with the Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections at Washington State University, working on the Plateau Peoples’ Web Portal. His work, alongside two other Nez Perce students, led them to be featured as panelists at the Nez Perce National Historical Park, where they presented on the McWhorter Collection.

ilúusilikasat embraced his Native American Church ways, Longhouse traditions, and Catholic influences as part of his spiritual journey. Though not a follower of Catholicism, he attended Mass while at Gonzaga Preparatory School and continued to do so afterward with friends. Introduced to the Native American Church by the Matheson side of his family, Ila sat in meetings from a young age alongside his Dad, Chiarpah, his cousins, and his Papa Dave. As an adult, he took pride in the hard work of preparing for meetings and was affectionately known as “One Shot” — for his unique ability to set the ear poles perfectly in a single try.

ilúusilikasat carried these teachings into every part of his life. He honored the ways of his people with sincerity and humility, whether helping at meetings, supporting his sisters in their cultural duties, or standing with family at gatherings and ceremonies. He found strength and peace in teachings that shaped him and the relatives who guided him.

A champion dancer, Ila traveled extensively as a fancy dancer with his parents, attending powwows all over the country.

He enjoyed ranch work with his grandfathers. Ila and his brothers were exceptional outdoor enthusiasts, always ready to fish, hunt, get firewood and when younger, airsoft wars.  Ila was a key member of the 2024 Horse Crew for his sisters Lauren and Layla (and assisted Laatis the year before) during their Pendleton Round Up Happy Canyon Princess duties. His responsibilities included early-morning weekend travel, preparing horses for parades and grand entries, and assisting his sisters at events such as Walla Walla Frontier Days & Rodeo and Chief Joseph Days & Rodeo.

Each year, Ila — alongside his family, with emphasis on his cousins and close friends — attended the Pendleton Round-Up. They carefully planned their trip, stayed with family they missed and longed to see, and helped at the family camp in the Indian Village — a cherished tradition and lasting legacy of his grandmothers.

The family ranch, also known as Pynimah, was a very special place to Ila. Countless memories and hard work have left blessings on the family and the ground of Pynimah.

In October 2023, Ila began working for Northern Quest Resort and Casino as a Social Media Strategist. He formed lasting friendships and connections while working for the Kalispel people and was recently recognized for his contributions to the organization.

Ila was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Shirley Mosqueda Pinkham and Allen Pinkham Sr.; paternal grandmother, Cecelia “Lee” Bourgeau; paternal grandfather, Dave Matheson; and siblings, Temi and DJ Meninick.

He is survived by his paternal grandfather, Kenneth Bourgeau Sr. of Coulee Dam, Washington; his father, Kenneth Bourgeau Jr. of Lapwai, Idaho; and his parents, Tisa and Chiarpah Matheson, at the family home. He is also survived by his brother, Kwn’Musi; his sisters, Mary Ann, Sydney, Victoria, and Israelika; and his cherished nephew, Caspian. Ila is deeply loved by his many uncles, aunts, and cousins, who were his siblings at heart.

Mike Squeochs will officiate traditional services at the Nez Perce Longhouse in Spalding, Idaho, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. A sunrise procession from the Longhouse to the graveside at Redbear Cemetery in Lenore, Idaho, will take place on Tuesday, October 14.

Ila’s family, friends, and associates are welcome to gather at The Loft at Northern Quest Casino & Resort for a memorial officiated by Father Peter of Desmet on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m. On the evening of Saturday, October 18, a NAC Meeting honoring Ila will be held at the David Matheson ranch.

The family is graciously indebted to the medical and ceremonial providers, his employer, and the many loving supporters who surrounded Ila and his family.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Chief Joseph Foundation.