Linda Black Elk, a Lakota ethnobotanist and educator, is a passionate advocate for preserving traditional Native American knowledge, especially regarding the use of plants for medicine, food, and spiritual practices. Born and raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South…
Earl Barlow, a Cherokee artist and activist, dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating Native American culture through his work in the arts. Born into the Cherokee Nation, Barlow grew up with a deep appreciation for his heritage, which influenced…
Sacheen Littlefeather, an Apache and Yaqui activist and actress, became a trailblazing figure in both Native American activism and the entertainment industry. Born Marie Louise Cruz on November 14, 1946, in Salinas, California, she was raised with strong connections to…
Ward Churchill, a Marshallese-American scholar, activist, and author, is best known for his work on Indigenous rights, social justice, and the environmental issues facing Pacific Island nations. Born in 1947 in the United States, Churchill’s heritage is rooted in the…
Kathy M. Jetnil-Kijiner, a poet, writer, and environmental activist from the Marshall Islands, has become a powerful voice for climate justice and the preservation of her Pacific Island culture. Born and raised in the Marshall Islands, Jetnil-Kijiner has dedicated her…
Alyssa Wapanatâhk, a rising star of Cree descent, is an actress and advocate who has become known for her work in both film and television. Born and raised in Canada, Wapanatâhk’s career is marked by her dedication to increasing Indigenous…
Buffy Sainte-Marie, a Cree singer-songwriter, musician, and activist, has been a powerful voice for Indigenous rights and social justice throughout her career. Born on February 20, 1941, on the Piapot Cree Nation reserve in Saskatchewan, Canada, Sainte-Marie grew up in…
Maria Tallchief, an Osage ballerina, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American ballet. Born on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma, Tallchief was of Osage descent and grew up in a culturally rich environment. She…
Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, made history as one of the first Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress. Born on December 2, 1960, in Winslow, Arizona, Haaland grew up with a deep connection to her…
LaDonna Harris, a Comanche activist and leader, has been a tireless advocate for Native American rights and empowerment for over six decades. Born in 1931 on the Comanche Nation’s reservation in Oklahoma, Harris grew up in a time when Native…