Women's Studies: Native American Women in the 20th Century

Stereotypes of Native American women, such as squaw, princess, and sexual slave, have plagued Native women since 1492. Ironically, the history of Native women has reflected an extremely different reality. Native women had rights 1,000 years ago that white women would not receive in this country until 1920. Native women in this past century have worked to protect the lands and the natural world, to protect their cultures and languages, to defend Tribal Sovereignty, and to protect the well-being of their families. But few learn about these Native women, who have consistently defied the stereotypes to work for the betterment of their peoples and nations.

Drawing upon the stories, experiences and writings of such women, we will explore the ways in which leadership is articulated in many Native American communities. We will critique how feminist theory has both served and ignored Native women. Through case studies, autobiography, literature and films, we will analyze how Native women have argued for sovereignty and developed agendas that privilege community over individuality. We will explore the activism of 20th century Native women leaders, particularly in the areas of the environment, the family system and the law.

Students will challenge post-colonial theory that merely deconstructs and move to a consideration of decolonizing practices. Students will develop skills as writers, researchers and advocates by studying scholarly and imaginative works and conducting research. Through extensive reading and writing, dialogue, art, films and guest speakers, we will investigate important aspects of the life and times of Native American women in the 20th and 21st centuries.