Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.
Pte San Tokeya Wiŋ Leading Fawn Woman Brisa Edna Chase was born May 9, 1998 to HolyElk Lafferty and Jesse Chase.
Through her maternal side, she is Oglala and MniCoujou Lakota and on her paternal side, she is Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota.
When she was born she was brought by her family to a ceremony in which they asked the spirits to name her. Her Unci Edna Two Dogs blessed her with the name Pte San Tokeya Win, “Leading Fawn Woman”, a name that she had carried throughout her life.
As a baby, she was the joy of her family’s lives and as she grew into each stage of her life, she was kind and generous in her love for her family while also being fierce in the way she loved them. From day one, she was her Unci Bernie’s girl. They shared a special love that knows no bounds or limits in this lifetime or beyond. So much of the teachings and strengths she carried in this life as a woman and mother were given to her through this bond.
As a young woman Brisa became a mother to three beautiful children and a wife to their father, Carlos Ortiz. She had always been strong-willed, determined, and loyal to her personal beliefs about what she wanted for herself and for those she loved in this life. Those qualities carried forth into motherhood and womanhood as she loved and cared for her children and family.
She was born with the type of maternal love in her bones that not many can learn in whole lifetimes spent attempting to acquire it and she poured that deeply into the cups of those who were privileged enough to know her at the depths of her heart. She had a laugh and sense of humor that was contagious and made your soul feel good to be sharing in the moments when she made something funny, which was often. Her smile and the sparkle in her eyes lit up every space in this world that she chose to share it.
Pte San Tokeya Wiŋ Leading Fawn Woman Brisa Edna Chase Ortiz began her journey home on Aug. 3, 2025, and is survived by many, as she journeyed at such a tender age. She will be met by her relatives in the spirit world who will hold her with love, care and gentleness.
To be loved by Brisa Edna was to be blessed in the most beautiful way and the medicine that her love was, will continue to be her gift to us all.
Damon and Mahpiya Brewer-Knight noted, “Love you Brisa, fly high. Prayers and tobacco down for the family in their healing.”
Hillary Crooks and family noted, “My heart aches for your loss. A life so young, gone far too soon. I’m holding your family in my thoughts and prayers.”
Aubrey said, “Heart felt condolences. We love you all so
much. Many hugs and prayers to the Lafferty/Ortiz Families.”
Funeral service was at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center on Aug. 8, 2025. Pte San Tokeya Wiŋ Leading Fawn Woman Brisa Edna Chase Ortiz was buried at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Loretta Zacharias noted, “Sincere Condolences to Brisa’s family and friends. She will be forever in your family’s hearts and thoughts.”