In Memoriam: Emery Golson

A member of our community, Emery Jane Sunderland Golson, passed away in January 2025. Emery was deeply passionate about her work in philanthropy, a passion that led her to connect with Chinook Fund. She dedicated herself not only to supporting causes close to her heart—Indigenous sovereignty, healing, reproductive justice, and grassroots social movements—but also to transforming the way giving happens. She believed in democratizing philanthropy, ensuring that more voices were included in funding decisions.

Emery had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. She convened diverse groups—women, youth, and friends—creating spaces for learning, collaboration, and collective decision-making. Her efforts inspired others to think critically about philanthropy and to work toward building a more just and equitable world. Emery embraced life with boundless enthusiasm, deep love, insatiable curiosity, and heartfelt compassion. She was a devoted mother, healer, philanthropist, and a beloved friend to many.

Thank you to the many individuals who made gifts to Chinook Fund in memory of Emery.