Women’s History Month

Native American women and men have shared political power since time immemorial. The concept of gender equality was foreign to European colonists, who would not recognize the power of tribal women. Instead, they sought to sexualize them and diminished their power. It did not work. Though the vestiges of patriarchal oppression of women are still prevalent in American culture, Indian women today are-and have always been-the backbone of tribal nations throughout the United States.

There are many influential Native American women right here in the Puget Sound area.

National [Native] Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sovereign Bill

photo of Muckleshoot actor Sovereign Bill — Los Angeles, California – December 11: Sovereign Bill attends the 2022 Children’s & Family Emmys at Wilshire Ebell Theatre on December 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)

Learn more about Muckleshoot citizen Sovereign Bill, the voice of “Molly of Denali”.

Read elementary books by Native American women!

Read middle school books by Native American women!

Read high school books by Native American women!

Northwest American Indian Women Who Are Changing the World

Cowlitz MMIW Activist and elite athlete Rosalie Fish

Row 1 (L-R):

Rosalie Fish, Cowlitz MMIW activist & elite runner

Colleen Echohawk, CEO of Eighth Generation (Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation)

Patsy Whitefoot, Yakama Elder and National Activist

Row 2 (L-R):

Fawn Sharp, Quinault Indian Nation Vice President and President of the National Congress of American Indians

Valerie Segrest, Muckleshoot, Food Sovereignty Pioneer

Chenoa Egawa, Lummi and S’Kallam Nations Award-Winning Author, Singer, and Artist

Row 3 (L-R):

Virginia Cross, Muckleshoot Tribal Councilwoman

Ramona Bennett, former Chair of Puyallup Tribe of Indians, legendary Fishing Rights and Environmental Activist

Janet McCloud, Tulalip Fishing and Tribal Rights Activist