Eva Petoskey of Mindimooyenh Healing Circle - a substance abuse recovery advocate and previous vice chair of the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Council - was named the 2025 recipient of the Grand Traverse ATHENA Award at a ceremony Thursday at Kirkbride Hall.

Petoskey was one of six local women nominated for the annual award, which honors women who “demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.” Other nominees this year included Deb Allen, Dana Frost, Deb Jackson, Marjie Rich, and Karen Schmidt.

Petoskey - a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians who was previously nominated for the ATHENA award in 2024 - has over 40 years of experience working with tribal communities throughout the Great Lakes region on issues related to wellness, education, evaluation, and culture. She served as the program director for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s Anishnaabek Healing Circle Access to Recovery and operated a consulting business specializing in community–based research and evaluation services for tribal organizations for over 20 years.

Petoskey is a founding member of the First American Prevention Center, a tribally-based organization that has taken a leadership role in developing culturally-based curriculum and training services for tribal organizations. She previously worked at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, the University of Minnesota, and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council of Wisconsin.

Petoskey was described as a "fierce advocate," water protector, environmental defender, and community leader and organizer by Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe, who presented the award to Petoskey's family Thursday (Petoskey is traveling and could not attend the ceremony). "Whatever you can touch in a community, Eva has touched in our community," Shamroe said. "We are very fortunate to have her."

Another Indigenous leader, the late Holly Bird, was also honored with a special posthumous ATHENA Award Thursday. Her son, Sonny Haworth, accepted the award on her behalf. Following Bird's sudden passing in April, Haworth noted that the phrase "Live Like Holly" has been circulating in the community. Citing that phrase as inspiration, Haworth encouraged attendees to live like his mother and "speak strongly, live confidently, and move with kindness." A celebration of Bird's life is planned to take place Sunday, May 18 at 1pm at Milliken Auditorium. All are welcome.

The 2025 Grand Traverse ATHENA Award was presented by AAUW of Traverse City.