Remarkable Native American Women

by Evelyn B. Kelly

• ISBN13: 9780762723492
• ISBN10: 0762723491
• Format: Trade Paper
• Publisher: TwoDot

Summary

Two stereotypes of Native American women have persisted in popular culture: the beautiful princess who saved the life of a handsome leader and the drudging squaw, slaving for her master warriors. Actually, neither of these stereotypes is true, and this book unravels these myths and reveals the true stories of a cross-section of amazing women. Remarkable Native American Women includes twenty biographies of Native American women from United States history, both little known and more famous. The selection of women offers a look at the diverse times when these women lived, where they lived, and what they did to be considered remarkable. The womens areas of specialization are varied and include activism, arts, business, literature, both traditional and western medicine, music, performance, tribal leadership, and war. All of these women exhibited bravery, courage, and toughness. Most had to fight against great odds to achieve their lofty goals. Their stories speak for their cultures of years ago and the native peoples of the twenty-first century. Text is complemented with photos and illustrations.

Author Biography

Evelyn B. Kelly has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years and runs her own home business, Kelly Communications. She is a professor at Saint Leo University in Florida, where she teaches multicultural education among other subjects. Her great grandmother was Cherokee, which has prompted Evelyn's interest in Native American studies. Other publishing credits include two contemporary issues books for young adults, a biography of ice skater Katarina Witt, and articles for health and science publications.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Molly Brant

Laura Miriam Cornelius Kellogg

Nancy Ward

Mary Musgrove

Tsianina Redfeather Blackstone

Ruth Muskrat Bronson

Pretty-Shield

Susan LaFlesche Picotte

Mountain Wolf Woman

Gertrude Simmons Bonnin (Zitkala-Sa)

Angel DeCora Dietz

Sanapia

Nampeyo

Maria Chona

Lozen

Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins

Dat-So-La-Lee

Dorion Woman

Sinrock Mary

Lydia Liliuokalani

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

The year was 1754. The group was welcomed in Philadelphia by dignitaries, who showered them with gifts. With eager eyes the young Indian girl enjoyed the lively discussions and even entered into the talks. The colonists were taken aback by Molly's participation. How could this girl be so pushy and forward? Women in their culture were never part of such talks and certainly not interested in affairs of state. But these European men did not know the Iroquois Federation--the six Indian Nations, which include the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Women in the Iroquois Federation held an important place. In this matrilinear society, men moved into the woman's house and the children traced their descent through the mother. The men's job description included hunting and fighting; women controlled everything else. For Molly Brant this trip was part of her training in the Mohawk tradition, and a prelude to the vital link she would become between the white man and the Six Nations of the Iroquois.