Puyallup Tribe honors Lena Landry, oldest member

At age 89, Lena Landry is the oldest member of the Puyallup Tribe of Washington.

Landry remains active in tribal affairs. She serves as chair of the tribe's gaming advisory commission and the charity trust board.

“I just live from day to day,” Landry told The Tacoma News-Tribune.

Landry outlived all 13 of her siblings, a bout with tuberculosis, prejudice in public schools and sexism in the workplace. She negotiated the tribe's land claim settlement and helped the tribe open its own school, medical clinic and dental clinic.

With seven children, 16 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Landry celebrated her 89th birthday in April. “It never really occurred to me until one day it just dawned on me. I’m 89. I’m going to be 90,” she said.

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