The Voices of Native Women

 
 Cecilia Fire Thunder 

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, I continue to reflect on the presentation made by Cecilia Fire Thunder (Oglala Lakota) for the NMAI’s Heye Center’s, Women’s History Month Lecture.  A woman who is leading a remarkable life, Ms. Fire Thunder inspired, entertained and educated the audience that attended her March 11, 2010 lecture.

Cecilia was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and lived there until she was 15.  At that time her father participated in the Indian Relocation Act and moved their family to Los Angeles.  In California, she became a registered nurse and eventually opened one of LA’s first Indian Health Clinics.  By 1987, however, she felt the tug of home and moved back to the Pine Ridge Reservation where she established herself as a voice for Indian women and families.  In 2004, Ms. Fire Thunder was elected the first woman president of the Oglala Lakota Nation.  Her tenure ended in 2006 after an extremely difficult period of trial and tribulations which developed as a result of Cecilia’s outspoken and controversial views on women’s rights. 

Her continued activism and concern about issues that affect women has established Ms. Fire Thunder as one of Indian Country’s most respected leaders.  She now travels the world sharing her insight with others and currently serves as an appointed member of the Democratic National Committee.  

Cecilia Fire Thunder’s presence in our Women’s History programming was a continuation of a long line of prominent Native women who have lectured at the NMAI.   During Ms. Fire Thunder’s lecture she mentioned that she had recently received a call from Wilma Mankiller who was one of the first speakers in our Women’s History Lectures.  Cecilia shared with the audience that Ms. Mankiller was extremely ill.  Wilma told Cecilia that she was at peace with the fact that her time in this life was ending.  It was a poignant and touching moment.

When I heard the sad news that Wilma Mankiller had passed on, I reflected on Cecilia’s words and thought back to my own experience with Wilma when she lectured at the Heye Center several years ago.  At the end of Ms. Mankiller’s program, I profusely thanked her for a wonderful presentation and mentioned what an honor it was to have her on our stage.  She quietly said, “Remember that I am just a woman who is living a very abundant life.  Every step I take forward is on a path paved by strong Indian women before me.”  As I reflect on her words, I realize that Wilma’s steps continued the tradition of Native women who had something to say and who had a mission in this life to speak out.  We should all give thanks for the gigantic steps she made that widened the path for all of us to travel. 

We will miss her.

Wilma Mankiller and Shawn Termin

Photos courtesy of Stephen Lang

Comments

[Jericho]

What a legacy she leaves behind, really. Great story

Awesome write-up!

[Debbie Thor]

When you think about the legacy that Ms. Mankiller has left and the impact on the life of her people, especially the women, it is really humbling. I wish I had had the honor of meeting her. It sounds like she was a very brave person to take the stands she did. Thank you for the wonderful article.

[Marion Duswalt-Pinney]

An incredible journey with much courage and determination. An inspiration for us all. Thank you for this article, we all need to remember the struggles of our women and how far we have come.