In Memoriam

Bill Edwards, Vice-President

The entire Tolani Lake Enterprises family, team, and friends mourn the loss of Bill Edwards, Vice-President, who passed away January 3, 2021. He was integral in establishing food and economic sovereignty programs at TLE that served Navajo, Hopi, and other Native communities.  He served as a strategic planner, project director, traditional advisor, and so much more. As our president, Garry Biakeddy, said, "I don't believe Bill ever said no to anybody when asked for his help."

Bill was a staunch supporter of many grassroots leaders in the region. He often shared stories of his time in the service, his time as a steelworker, his values as a traditional practitioner, and his work in a number of non-profit initiatives and organizations. The sheer outpouring of support shows that he will be greatly missed.

Bill had a long history of entrepreneurial ventures, non-profit management and coordination. He was a former production grower with market experience, and a lifetime gardener. Because of his experience and insight into economic development on Native lands, he was a member of the Navajo Nation Vice-President’s Gardening Advisory Committee.

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Judie J. Wilson, Financial Director

Tolani Lake Enterprises lost a dearly loved and valued member of our team on May 18, 2020. 


Judie dedicated her life to her family and friends while contributing to strengthening Navajo communities through her work at Tolani Lake Enterprises. It could be argued that through pure determination, she kept the organization afloat with her volunteerism, positivity, and hard work. But more than that, her kindness, humor, and warmth was felt by everyone who knew her. 


She was a wonderful wife, parent, daughter, sister, and friend who touched the lives of those around her. Judie, originally from Wisconsin, had lived with her husband, Joe Wilson Jr., in Birdsprings, AZ, since 1998.