Adam Waldemar Nordwall

Adam Fortunate Eagle Nordwall

July 18, 1929- May 11, 2026

If you felt the ground under your feet move a little today (May 11, 2026), if you sensed a profound shift in the invisible universe, if your heart beat into a void for a moment, it was because the legendary Adam Fortunate Eagle Nordwall shuffled off his mortal coil.

Adam Nordwall was a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewas. He was one of 10 children born to Rose and Anton Nordwall. Anton died in 1934, leaving his mother no choice but to send him and 4 siblings off to boarding school. He attended Pipestone boarding school, then Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, where he met his future wife Cordelia Bobbie Graham.

Moving to the San Francisco Bay area in 1951, they raised 3 children: Nila, Asha, and Adam Robert. He started his own business called “First American Termite Company”.

He became more involved in the tribal communities that had re-located to the bay area, eventually becoming the Chairman of the United Bay Area Council for many years.

He won many awards and recognition for him activism which included providing learning opportunities for Native American prisoners in San Quentin and Vacaville.

Throughout his life, he helped shape modern Native American activism through his unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights and communities. He fought for his people even becoming a lead organizer of the Indian Occupation of Alcatraz.

Through storytelling, art, writing, and satire, he chose words over violence and used his voice for a powerful voice for change.

When he had an opportunity to go to Rome for a conference, he used that opportunity to ‘discover Italy’. The pope asked to meet him. Instead of kissing each other’s rings, they just shook hands.

He is pre-deceased by his siblings, a granddaughter, and most wonderful wife of 76 years. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many many friends.

His cremains will be sent to Red Lake, Minnesota, and some held back for a ceremony at Alcatraz (date to be determined).