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…

Sherman Alexie, a writer, poet, and filmmaker of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene descent, has become one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Native American literature. Born on October 7, 1966, in the small town of Wellpinit, Washington, Alexie grew…

John Trudell, a member of the Santee Sioux Tribe, was a powerful activist, poet, and musician whose life was deeply intertwined with the struggle for Indigenous rights. Born on February 15, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, Trudell’s early life was marked…

Vine Deloria Jr., a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was one of the most influential Native American scholars, writers, and activists of the 20th century. Born on March 26, 1933, in Martin, South Dakota, Deloria became a fierce…

Dennis Banks was a prominent Native American activist and a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM), born on April 12, 1937, in the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. A member of the Anishinaabe tribe, Banks became deeply involved…