A memoria: G. Janet “Gertsy” Spotted Bear — Mom

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder & Editor in Chief

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"Medicine Moon," Gertsy Spotted Bear's Hidatsa name
Today is a special day, it’s the seventh year marking the death of my mother, G. Janet Gunderson, a lot of people know her by her maiden name, Gertsy Spotted Bear. She was born July 14, 1942. She died July 14, 2003. Her death changed the lives for me, my siblings and all friends because she had such a powerful impact and influence on all our lives. That’s because she was a good woman. She had deep compassion for children, women and families. Mom was the director the Three Affiliated Tribes Social Services Department in New Town, N.D. She died in a car accident as she was returning to her home out at Shell Creek on the Fort Berthold Reservation. That was her home when she worked in New Town, otherwise, her heart was in Twin Buttes.

It would have been nearly impossible to breathe during the time of her death. I am still thankful for all the people who showed my family tremendous support. If not for all the love that was so evident from her friends, I might have died of a broken heart. Her death exposed me to a rare moment in life where I experienced pure, unconditional love from hundreds of people — all at once. I’ve always felt absolutely blessed to be my mother’s child. She was my greatest support when I felt like crying. Most of all, she was there to embrace me when life was good. She helped me believe in myself. She did that not only for me, but for all her friends, all her children and all the kids who called her grandma. I’m always meeting people who mention Mom. Good memories, all.

We miss Gertsy.

Love, Jodi, friends and family

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Jodi Rave Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation)

Founder & Editor in Chief

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Location: Twin Buttes, North Dakota

Spoken Languages: English

Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights

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