RED LAKE, Minn. — A Red Lake Anishinaabe family is making waves — literally and figuratively — through a story of bravery, heritage and the power of Girl Scouts.
For three generations of the Delaney family — grandmother Charlene, mother Erin and daughter Illona — each day is a lesson in courage and connection.
“We are three very intelligent women who are passionate,” said Charlene.
That passion came to life in a harrowing moment at Big Marine Lake in Scandia.
During a family outing, Charlene jumped into the water, only to realize she couldn’t swim back to the pontoon.
“I thought myself a fairly good swimmer,” Charlene said. “But the pontoon was getting further and further away. I didn’t think I was going to make it back.”
Erin quickly jumped into the water, determined to save her mother. But her panic put them both in danger.
“I remember yelling, ‘I’m drowning!’” Erin recalled. “Her face, I will never forget its color and how it looked and sounded like gurgling when the water was going across her face.”
It was Illona, then just 16 years old, who saved them both.
“I didn’t think — just do,” Illona said. “If you hesitate, you risk more of a chance they’re going to die.”
Illona dove into the water with precision, forming a chain to bring her mother and grandmother to safety. Her bravery earned her the Girl Scouts’ prestigious Bronze Cross, making her the first Indigenous recipient in the local council’s history.
“Thinking about it now, it wasn’t a miracle,” Erin said. “It was courage and determination.”
But Illona’s impact didn’t stop there. She created a lake safety program for tribal health, teaches youth swimming lessons at the YMCA, and is working on her Girl Scouts Gold Award to educate communities statewide about water safety.
“You’ll find your purpose,” Illona said. “No matter what, you’ll find your purpose.”
Once Illona achieves her Gold Award, she will join the ranks of her mother and grandmother, officially making her the third generation in Girl Scouting.
Her efforts have already inspired many. One young swimmer told her, “I want to be a lifeguard.”
“Water is life, and everything circles around water,” Illona said, reflecting on her heritage and mission.
The YMCA where Illona works received a grant to support swimming lessons for special needs and refugee families following recent drownings in those communities.
In a story of courage, connection and culture, this family’s journey serves as a powerful reminder: Even small ripples can create waves of impact.