Eunice Bommelyn

Eunice Xash-wee-tes-na Henry Bommelyn (February 6, 1927 – April 23, 2012) was an American Tolowa cultural advocate, Tolowa language proponent, and tribal historian. Bommelyn was the last living person to speak Tolowa as a native first language; Bommelyn led the effort to revive fluency and teach the language. Bommelyn was the mother of Loren Bommelyn, a ceremonial leader and basket weaver. Her maternal grandparents were Westbrook and Delilah Charley and her paternal grandparents were Ik-fu-yu-wan and Jane Henry.

Death and tribal remembrance Eunice Bommelyn died in Crescent City, California, on April 23, 2012, at the age of 85. Her family cut their hair to sever a connection between themselves and her spirit. She was buried by her grandchildren at the How-On-Quet Indian Cemetery, which overlooks the Smith River. The Tolowa did not perform the Nee-dash dance in 2012, in memory of Bommelyn.