Indigenous Activism

Clifford Trafzer is distinguished professor of history and Rupert Costo chair in American Indian affairs at the University of California, Riverside.Donna Akers is associate professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Amanda Wixon is Ph.D. candidate at University of California, Riverside.

Much has been written of late on the role that Native American women have played in preserving ancestral homelands and lifeways. This beautifully constructed collection of essays is unique for its focus on the modern era, when an array of new threats to indigenous America caused Native women to employ both old and new sources of power to advance the welfare of their peoples. Rich in Native stories and voices, this volume should be required reading for all those seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary Indian affairs.

• Chapter 1: Red Power in the Northwest: Ramona BennetChapter 2: It Isn’t Easy: Mary Crow DogChapter 3: Power of Voice, Power of Land: Ada DeerChapter 4: Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee Activist: Suzan Shown HarjoChapter 5: Strikes With Puha—Power! LaDonna HarrisChapter 6: Tribal Community and National Activist: Wilma MankillerChapter 7: Numakshi Mihe, The Lead Woman of the Three Affiliated Tribes: Alyce Spotted BearChapter 8: Navajo Judge, Crownpoint District: Irene ToledoChapter 9: “In Unity There Is Strength,” Writer and Activist: Marie PottsChapter 10: Cultural Activist: Zitkala-Ša, Gertrude Simmons BonninChapter 11: Where is Victory? Harriette Shelton DoverChapter 12: Ending Termination in Indian Country: Lucy CovingtonChapter 13: Good Hearted Woman: Cecilia Fire ThunderChapter 14: The Necessary Evil: Dolly Smith Cusker AkersChapter 15: Champion of the National Congress of the American Indian: Ruth Muskrat BronsonChapter 16: Seeking Justice through Storytelling: Leslie Marmon S