Loraine Stillman
"Times Change"
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| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
Times change and so do stereotypes and opportunities. Native American women were once viewed as savages, unrefined and incapable of higher education. They were the gatherers, curers of leather, weavers, shepherds, and potters in their ancient culture. Some may still live like this.
Today’s modern Native American woman can be politically involved, a college-educated professional, or a respected artist. Successful authors, poets and musicians include Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna), Louise Erdrich (Ojibwe), Maria Tallcheif (Osage), Lucy Tapahanso (Navajo), Buffy Saint Marie (Cree), and Joy Harjo (Muscogee) to name a few. The late Annie Wauneka (Navajo) brought nursing education to the reservation. Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkoliet (Navajo) was named president of Antioch University in 2007. Politicians include Lisa Johnson Billy (Chickasaw) and Claudia Kauffman (Nez Perce).
This reversal in the perception of what Native American women can do and the reality of what they have been able to accomplish should be a be a beacon for all American women today. The future is ours.