Dwanna McKay

Dr. Dwanna Lynn (Peterson) McKay, 62, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away after a brief, but valiant, battle with Goodpasture Syndrome. Born in Roseburg, Oregon in 1962 to Eva Lee (Davis) McKay and Alvie McKay, she led a distinguished life marked by academic excellence and visionary leadership. A tenured Associate Professor at Colorado College, she chaired the Race, Ethnicity, and Migration Studies department, earning acclaim for her groundbreaking research on social inequality, race, and Indigenous identity. Her dedication to equity and justice profoundly impacted students, colleagues, and communities.

Dr. McKay was an accomplished author, poet, and documentary executive producer, earning honors such as the 2019 Elder of the Year and Lloyd E. Worner Teacher of the Year. She contributed to national initiatives like the Native American Student Advocacy Institute and co-advised the Indigenous Studies minor at Colorado College. Renowned for her wisdom, integrity, and compassion, she championed equity and dignity, particularly in underserved rural areas facing challenges in housing, healthcare, and education. Her legacy inspires ongoing efforts toward truth, justice, and compassion.

As a beloved mentor, Dr. McKay empowered generations of students, offering meaningful and challenging courses on critical race theory, settler-colonialism, social inequality, and Indigenous identity. She supported students both academically and personally, ensuring they had access to resources, meals, and a sense of belonging. Her ability to foster connections and make students feel seen and heard left an enduring impact. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to education and advocacy.

Dr. McKay was a widely respected scholar known for her concept of "legitimized racism" and served as Chair of the Sociology of Indigenous Peoples and Native Nations Section of the American Sociological Association. Her intellect and ability to navigate complexity went beyond her four degrees: a Ph.D., Sociology and Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies (University of Massachusetts-Amherst); an M.S. in Sociology (Oklahoma State University-Stillwater); an M.B.A. in Management Science (East Tennessee State University); and a B.A. in Political Science (University of Central Oklahoma), as she recognized learning as being rooted in community and lived experience. She served her tribe in her appointment as Secretary of Education for The Muscogee Nation; she was a member of the Native American Advisory Committee for the Office of the Governor of Kansas and was the former vice-chair for the Mvskoke Women's Leadership Program. Dwanna was also a loyal ally and friend. She never hesitated to take time to be present with us and listen to our stories. She encouraged us to speak our own truths with integrity and moments of laughter, choosing to share herself with us unapologetically, for which we will forever be grateful.

Dwanna was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, and scholar whose faith guided her life. She joins her parents, Eva and John Peterson, Alvie McKay, and siblings Gary McKay Peterson, Dale McKay, and Geneva McKay in Heaven, and is survived by her beloved daughter Dena Costello, son-in-law Dr. Michael Brutz, cherished dog Oliver, and siblings Steve McKay (Jody), Donnie McKay (Joyce Sams), Wayne McKay (Sherri), Treva Treesh, Aunt Maggie Holman, and her most favorite, Uncle Curt Russell. Her family expresses deep gratitude to her colleagues, friends, and neighbors for their support, as her "Big Auntie Energy" will be dearly missed. Her enduring spirit reminds us to honor her words: "Google me - I'm kind of a big deal." "Resist. Resist often." "For the people."

A memorial service celebrating her life will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Integrity Funeral Service Chapel in Henryetta, Oklahoma, officiated by Chief George Tiger. A viewing will be held earlier in the day from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The family also invites you to join them post-service for refreshments while remembering the vibrant spirit that was Dr. Dwanna Lynn McKay.