05/27/2026
Where are They Now?
Eva Green is a Spokane tribal member (connected to the Salish Pend d’Oreille as well). Daughter of Robin and Karin Green and the granddaughter of Eva Boyd and Patricia Leeper.
Green has six siblings: Joseph Tonasket, Ginnie Green, Robyn Green, Jake Green, Jessie Green and Ezric Green.
Green’s significant other is Howard Walker.
Green has four children: Elijah Tonasket, Marlo Tonasket Jr., Rayna Tonasket and Jessa Green.
“I attended school in Wellpinit for nearly all of my childhood except for my third-grade year,” Green said. “When I attended K. William Harvey Elementary School in Ronan (Mont.).”
From 2011 to 2015, Green attended Salish Kootenai College.
“I earned my Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration,” Green said. “During that time, I also experienced one of the most memorable chapters of my life through basketball. I always loved the game, and at 24 years old, I decided to attend tryouts for the college team. Tribal colleges compete through AIHEC, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and being part of that experience opened many doors for me. My journey was not ideal or “traditional.”
Green talked about her experience playing college basketball and how much it meant to her.
“Playing basketball at SKC allowed me to travel all across Indian Country,” Green said. “Create lifelong friendships and make memories I will always cherish. What made the experience especially meaningful was that my coaches understood the importance of family. They created a “family first” environment and allowed my children to be part of my entire college experience. My kids came to practices and sometimes traveled with me. I will always be grateful that my children were included in both my academic and athletic journey rather than separated from it.”
Green worked in gaming for the Spokane Tribe from 2007 to 2011.
“I started as a cage cashier and eventually became a shift manager,” Green said. “During that time, I witnessed the transition from coin-operated machines to ticket-in, ticket-out systems. I met many great people along the way, including mentors like Karen Flett and Jennifer Covington. Karen especially encouraged me to pursue higher education and continue pushing myself toward new opportunities.”
Green worked in accounting roles for several businesses, as well as the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Elder Program during her college years.
“In 2016, I began working as an accounting technician at Salish Kootenai College,” Green said. “I soon realized that spending every day behind a computer screen working with spreadsheets and numbers was not for me. I made the decision to take a pay cut and become a paraprofessional at K. William Harvey Elementary School. Honestly, I never thought I would work in education because I did not believe I had the right temperament for it. But once I started working with elementary students, I discovered how rewarding and fun it could be. Working with youth is meaningful.”
Green is working as the Indian Education Director for the Ronan School District.
“The following year, I was hired as the Indian Education Director for the Ronan School District,” Green said. “A role I have now held for seven years. My work focuses on increasing cultural identity and awareness, supporting at-risk students, and helping students prepare for college and careers. I work closely with teachers and staff throughout the district to help implement Indian Education in classrooms and school activities. Most of my work is with high school students and each year I work with hundreds of young people from many different backgrounds and life situations. In a familiar perspective, I remind myself of Wendy Wynecoop in the school, who was always supportive, caring and willing to help students in any way she could. I strive to carry those same qualities into my own work every day.”
When asked what advice Green would give to the youth, she talked about accepting that everyone’s futures are different.
“My advice to our youth is to keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another,” Green said. “We all come from different backgrounds and life experiences. You do you, everyone’s path is different.”
By/CCFlett
