Native American heroes
The European colonial expansion Across North America, this led to significant danger for the native populace through acts of violence, spread of diseases, forced relocation, mandatory resettlements, and suppression. Even with such a grim history, Native American heritage encompasses varied and vibrant cultures and customs. November is Native American History Month , a moment to honor the significant contributions of Indigenous communities. Continue reading to discover the uplifting and valiant tales of Native Americans throughout history whose accomplishments are remarkable, astonishing, and unfortunately, frequently unrecognized.
Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull is recognized as one of the most courageous leaders among Native Americans, guiding the Lakota Sioux Nation through the era when the U.S. government expanded into indigenous territories. He is celebrated as an iconic figure renowned for his exceptional bravery in combat, including smoking a peace pipe amidst battles. Before becoming widely known by this esteemed title, his original name was
Born as 'Jumping Badger' and later called 'Slow,'
Because he was calm and measured. His name, derived from "Tatanka-Iyotanka," originally belonged to his father. The father later passed this name to his younger son following an act of valor during combat when the boy was just 14 years old. Here are the details:
significance of Indigenous American customs and ideologies
.
Buffalo Calf Road Woman
In 1876, during the fights at Rosebud and Little Bighorn, Buffalo Calf Road Woman battled alongside both her spouse and sibling against U.S. forces that were attacking Native Americans refusing to relinquish their land. This courageous young Cheyenne woman earned recognition for rescuing her brother; she charged through heavy gunfire to drag him onto her mount and ensure his safe escape—a location now referred to as " When theGirl RescuedHer Brother ." She possessed a six-shooter with which she shot at the soldiers during those valiant last stand moments. It is thought that she might have struck General Custer from his mount, leading to her significant place in history. possibly killed him herself Next, continue reading to discover the 16 top cities for enthusiasts of American history .
Jim Thorpe
In her biography Carrie Golus highlights that numerous Native Americans possess dual identities, one used for formal records and another to celebrate their indigenous lineage. The name "Wa-Tho-Huck," which means "Bright Path" in his native tongue, was bestowed upon Jim Thorpe by his mother shortly after his birth due to the sight of beams of light appearing at that moment. Both of Thorpe’s parents had mixed ancestry, encompassing various tribal backgrounds such as the Sauk and Fox nations. Notably, Thorpe achieved worldwide acclaim as both an Olympic competitor in athletics and a multi-sport professional player across baseball, football, and basketball. He earned accolades for his extraordinary accomplishments in these sports. 1912 Olympics were rescinded Even after playing minor league baseball, racial discrimination was believed to be another contributing element—an issue that overshadowed his remarkable achievements. Despite having his medals rescinded, he maintained the fastest time in the 1,500-meter race up until 1972. Discover more about this. pioneering Hispanic Americans who left their mark on history .
Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo, who belongs to the Muscogee Creek Nation, is the inaugural Native American to be appointed as the U.S. Poet Laureate.
award-winning poems
She addresses the experiences of Native cultures, frequently referencing ancestors, memories, and injustices through themes like nature, mythology, grief, and anger. Despite not beginning her musical journey until the age of 39,
The initial time she held a saxophone in her hands
, she’s additionally a skilled musician who has put out five albums. Here are
10 breathtaking instances of Indigenous artistic excellence
.
Osh-Tisch
Indigenous cultures in North America revered the "two-spirit" identity. Within these communities, transgender and non-binary individuals were held in high regard and treated with great respect. Osh-Tisch was an example of this recognition. a Crow “boté” or “ Badé The phrase refers to an individual designated male at birth but later identifying as female. Osh-Tisch adopted feminine attire and engaged in customary women's tasks, even though she participated in the conflicts at Rosebud and Little Big Horn. Following these triumphs, when indigenous peoples were restricted to reservations, Osh-Tisch faced harassment from missionaries, who compelled her to shorten her hair and wear masculine clothing. Nonetheless, tribal elders supported Osh-Tisch, highlighting the advanced tolerance within native cultures throughout the Victorian period. Discover more about this here. Why each state received its current name ; many have their origins in the Native American language.
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, had a crucial part in the Battle of Little Bighorn, famously called Custer’s Last Stand. A depiction of him is currently being sculpted into the Black Hills.
Mountain at The Crazy Horse Memorial.
The renowned leader was reluctant to have his photograph taken and frequently declined photo requests by saying "
Would you lock up my shadow as well?
The memorial sculptor crafted his image using descriptions from people who knew him well. Carved into granite, this colossal face aims to pay tribute to the Native American values that Crazy Horse stood for and protected.
Susan La Flesche Picotte
From the Omaha tribe, Susan La Flesche Picotte became the first Native American female physician. Living in the mid-1800s, she made up her mind to pursue medicine during this period. She was merely 8 years old. Apparently, she stayed with an ill elderly Native American woman who was repeatedly assured that the nearby white physician would visit. After the doctor failed to show up and the woman passed away, Vonneille learned that Native lives were deemed less significant. She obtained her medical degree and ultimately established a medical facility on an indigenous territory , the first of this type, where she treated patients from all ethnic backgrounds. Discover more about 30 More Trailblazing Women Who Reshaped the World
Geronimo
Geronimo's mother, wife, and three young children were killed by Mexican raiders.
In 1851, when he was conducting trade in a neighboring town
The renowned warrior, a member of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, pledged to seek revenge and managed to elude U.S. forces for many years, consistently escaping despite immense challenges. He was the final Native American leader to officially capitulate to the U.S. government.
quickly went back on their word
, keeping him imprisoned for the remainder of his days. He gained popularity as a celebrated figure and was permitted to attend Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential inauguration in 1905. During this event, he seized the opportunity to request the liberation of his fellow people, but once again, his plea was rejected. This individual was far more complex than merely bearing an infamous moniker; here’s his story.
The tale of why one shouts "Geronimo" upon jumping originates from a paratrooper during World War II.
.
Sarah Winnemucca
Sarah Winnemucca was the daughter of the chief of the Paiute tribe. She grew up to be a writer and educator advocating for Native American rights. During the 1870s, she worked as both an army scout and an interpreter. conversed with President Rutherford B. Hayes , even though the pledges he gave to her tribe were never fulfilled. In 1883, she released Life Among the Paiutes in which She shouted at the white people. For their own brutality, reclaiming the word frequently directed at Indigenous people. She also condemned sexual violence and flawed governmental policies, traveling around giving lectures and emerging as a notable and vocal champion for Native communities. It’s likely that this wasn’t part of your education. 15 additional truths about education in the U.S. .
Maria Tallchief
Despite discrimination,
Maria Tallchief
She was the first Native American ballet dancer. As a proud member of the Osage tribe, she frequently stood up against injustices. She insisted on keeping her original stage name, which
combined sections of her Indigenous names
When requested by renowned organizations, she obliged. She performed with the leading ballet companies worldwide. Discover more here:
57 other remarkable inaugural females
.
Mary Golda Ross
Mary Golda Ross co-wrote one of NASA’s manuals for space exploration to Mars and Venus and worked in the secret space competition think tank, Skunk Works , where she was the sole female (and the sole Native American) involved in the initiative. She traces her lineage back to Chief Joseph Ross and is part of the Cherokee Nation. Her significant contributions as an engineer and mathematician were pivotal for U.S. space exploration. Make sure not to overlook this. 13 incredible truths you probably didn’t know about the women of NASA .
John Herrington
The Indigenous astronaut John Herrington,
a person who is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation
, carried his tribe’s flag with him on his inaugural mission to the International Space Station. According to NASA, Herrington was the first Native American to journey into space, where he conducted three spacewalks—additionally, he took the flag along with him.
cultural artifacts and objects
For example, eagle feathers, sweetgrass, arrowheads, and wooden flutes.
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