There is insufficient recognition given to Native American women, many of whom have made enormous contributions to their respective tribal nations and to the broader United States. The 14 stories in this book are representative of the countless Native American women who have excelled as leaders (including Debra Haaland and her history-making role as Secretary of the Interior). They come from across the centuries and from a range of tribal nations, and represent a wide range of society, including politics, the arts, health care, business, education, wellness, feminism, environmentalism, and social activism. Most of these women have made their mark in more than one area. Each chapter includes personal biographical and public life information. Some of the women have given us much in writing, including memoirs, while others have left behind little or nothing written. Even in the absence of their own words, though, their actions still speak eloquently.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Edward J. Rielly is a professor emeritus of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, where he created and directed the Writing and Publishing program. He is the author or editor of 30 books and lives in Westbrook, Maine.

Edward J. Rielly

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 267
Bibliographic Info: 14 photos, notes, bibliographies, index
Copyright Date: 2022
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8668-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4575-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments viii
Preface 1
1. Mary Musgrove (ca. 1700–ca. 1764) 3
2. Molly Ockett (ca. 1740–1816) 20
3. Louisa Keyser (Dat So La Lee) (ca. 1850–1925) 34
4. Susette La Flesche (Inshtatheamba, Bright Eyes) (1854–1903) 47
5. ­Zitkala-Ša (Gertrude Simmons, Gertrude Bonnin) (1876–1938) 67
6. Annie Dodge Wauneka (1910–1997) 88
7. Kathryn Jones Harrison (b. 1924) 109
8. LaDonna Vita Crawford Harris (b. 1931) 125
9. Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010) 145
10. Janine Pease (Janine Pease ­Pretty-on-Top) (b. 1949) 166
11. Joy Harjo (b. 1951) 184
12. Debra Anne Haaland (b. 1960) 199
13. Sharice Lynnette Davids (b. 1980) 220
14. Chelsey Luger (b. 1987) 237
Index 251