Native American women have a rich and varied history that spans centuries and encompasses many different tribes. During this women’s history month, I wanted to take some time and teach you all about a few examples of true Native American Women’s stories. You might be surprised at what you learn!
Our first example of Native American women’s history is Pocahontas.
Only I’m going to tell you what really happened, not the Disney version you were taught in your childhood. She was a Native American woman of the Powhatan tribe, who lived in Virginia in the early 1600s. Pocahontas real name was Matoaka and she was only 9 or 10 years old when introduced to John Smith. She is best known in history for her role in helping the settlers of Jamestown, Virginia, and for falling in love with John Smith. But the truth is, she was only a child, and the torturous life she was forced to live can hardly equate to that of a fairy tale.
In the real story, Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken against her will to England, where she was forced to convert to Christianity and was given the name “Rebecca”. She eventually married an Englishman, John Rolfe, and had a son with him.
After suffering unimaginable torture at the hands of these English men, she died at the very young age of 21 during a trip back to Virginia. Her story is one of true tragedy and a reminder of the horrors of colonialism. She is one of the earliest documented cases of MMIW (murdered and missing indigenous women).
Remember this the next time you think about dressing up as “Pocahontas” on Halloween. As if it wasn’t offensive enough before!
Next, I want to tell you about Sacagawea.
Sacagawea was an influential Native American woman who is known to have helped Lewis and Clark on their journey across America. She was a Shoshone interpreter and guide who was a part of the Corps of Discovery for the majority of the expedition.
Sacagawea was instrumental in helping the expedition establish friendly relations with the Native Americans they encountered along the way, as her presence served as a sign of peaceful intentions.
She also helped them find resources like food, shelter, and horses. Her courage and intelligence were essential in helping the expedition complete its mission. Her story is a testament to the strength, courage, and resilience of Native American women.
Then, there is an amazing woman named Wilma Mankiller.
Wilma Mankiller was the first female to serve as the Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She was elected in 1985 and served until 1995. She was the first woman since 1839 to lead the tribe and was a champion of Cherokee sovereignty and tribal self-determination.
Wilma was an advocate for the disenfranchised, working to improve the economic situation of her people, and was a strong voice for Cherokee women’s rights. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including being the first woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
Wilma was an inspiration to many and will always be remembered for her dedication and commitment to the Cherokee Nation. When I think of powerful native American Women, it’s impossible to not admire this brave, strong woman!
Another accomplished native American woman in history is Maria Tallchief.
Maria Tallchief was a pioneering Native American ballet dancer and one of the most influential dancers of the 20th century. She was the first Native American to become a prima ballerina and was one of the original members of the New York City Ballet.
She was the first American to dance the leading role in the ballet version of The Firebird and was the first Native American to be featured on the cover of Life Magazine. Maria Tallchief was an accomplished dancer and choreographer, having created works for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the Chicago Lyric Opera.
She was eventually inducted into the National Museum of Dance Hall of Fame in 1991 and received the Kennedy Center Honor in 1996.
Maria Tallchief’s accomplishments are an inspiration to many and serve as a reminder of how powerful perseverance and talent can be.
Our group of notable Native American women being highlighted today includes Ladonna Harris, who was an indigenous civil rights activist and leader who dedicated her life to improving the lives of Native Americans.
Born in Oklahoma in 1931, Harris was of Comanche and Creek descent and grew up on tribal lands in Oklahoma. She was educated at the University of Oklahoma and went on to become a prominent figure in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s.
Harris was a founding member of the National Indian Youth Council and the National Congress of American Indians, two organizations dedicated to improving the political and economic opportunities of Native Americans. She also served on the board of the National Women’s Political Caucus, the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, and the Civil Rights Commission of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Throughout her career, she worked to create a more equitable and just society for Native Americans, and she was recognized for her efforts with numerous awards. Harris passed away in 2018, but her legacy of activism and advocacy will live on forever and serve as a guide for how we must continue her legacy.
The final woman I would like to feature is Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte.
Susan was alive from 1865-1915 and was the first Native American woman to become a physician.
Born on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska, she was raised to be a leader and to serve her people. She graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1889, becoming the first Native American woman to earn an MD degree.
She returned to the Omaha Reservation to practice medicine and became a tireless advocate for improved health care for Native Americans. She worked hard to improve the quality of life for her people, and was instrumental in establishing the first reservation hospital, which opened in 1913.
Dr. La Flesche Picotte was a true pioneer in the medical field, and her legacy of compassion and dedication to her people continues to inspire Native Americans from every nation, even today.
Native American women have made significant contributions to American society, and it is important to recognize their stories and accomplishments.
To my fellow native girls, whenever you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, just remember you are the descendents of great women such as these. You have their strength, hopes, and dreams flowing through your veins and you too can make contributions such as these to our society.
It’s up to us to carry these Women in our spirit and fight for the future generations of our native American people.
Thank you so much for tuning into today’s segment of Boss Babes Changing the World and I hope you learned something new today! Be inspired to go out and change the world in your very own way. See you soon!
