Date of Award

6-19-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Philosophy and Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Jan Thomas

Abstract

There has been a lot of literature written about Pocahontas and Sacagawea but very little about other Native American women, particularly those who have crossed accepted gender lines to succeed in a man's world. This thesis discusses four Native American women who overcame many physical and cultural challenges, embraced non-traditional female roles and whose lives and influence continue today. The women include (1) LaDonna Vita Tabbytite Harris, a Comanche and former wife of Senator Fred Harris who is an author, politician and humanitarian, (2) Mochi, a Cheyenne who survived the Sand Creek and Washita Massacres to become a fierce warrior and imprisoned by the Army, (3) Julia Wades in Water, a Blackfeet who became the first female tribal police officer on a reservation and in the United States, and (4) Minnie Spotted Wolf England, Blackfeet who became the first Native American female Marine to serve in World War II.

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