Gretchen Morris “Gizhigokwe” (“Skywoman”) is a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and is deeply rooted in the heart of her community.  A proud mother of six and grandmother to eight, Gretchen treasures her heritage as the daughter of Marvin and Joanne Morris and grew up alongside her 17 siblings.

In her role as Social Services Director, Gretchen is committed to forging strong relationships and gaining a profound understanding of the Burns Paiute Tribal Community. Her focus is on enhancing services by strengthening structural processes and expanding program capacity. She aims to deliver exceptional, person-centered, culturally grounded care that aligns with the community’s vision and needs.

Gretchen has dedicated over 25 years to serving children, families, elders, and communities with unwavering passion and commitment. As the Indian Child Welfare Director for the Red Cliff Band, she tirelessly worked to expand program capacity, dismantle systemic barriers, and incorporate traditional life pathways into service delivery. Her innovative approach and dedication have earned her and her team national recognition.

Educationally, Gretchen holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Indigenous Social Work and Child and Family Services. She firmly believes in understanding community-driven needs by honoring the wisdom of elders and generational knowledge holders. Her holistic worldview encompasses all aspects when making decisions to enhance the well-being of those she serves.

Gretchen humbly invites the Burns Paiute community to share their space and support her mission to serve them in the best way possible.