Native American women have been erased from history. It is not that they did not exist; it is that they were made invisible , omitted from history. At the same time, stereotypes such as "squaw" and "princess" have plagued Native women since 1492. Ironically, the history of Native women has reflected a different reality with a long tradition of standing strong for justice. Native women have stood to protect the lands and the natural world, their cultures, languages, the health of their families, and Tribal Sovereignty. But few learn about these Native women, who consistently defied the stereotypes in order to work for the betterment of their peoples and nations.

Drawing upon the 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.

This program will implement decolonizing methodologies to give voice to some of these women, while deconstructing the stereotypes, in order to honor and provide a different way of knowing about these courageous Native American women, past and present. Students will develop skills as writers, researchers and potential advocates by studying scholarly and imaginative works and conducting research. Through extensive reading and writing, dialogue, art, films and possible guest speakers, we will investigate important aspects of the life and times of some of these Native American women across the centuries.