STRONG INDIGENOUS WOMEN I ADMIRE

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

By DIBIKWE, VALERIE HARRINGTON-WIND

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed annually in the month of March. Women were often overlooked historically, and in researching and compiling information for this article, it was disappointing to not find much of a celebration of Indigenous women in history. There were lists of top Native American Women you should’ve learned about in history.

I recognized Wilma Mankiller, Pocahontas, Sacajawea, Winona LaDuke, Elouise Cobell, Deb Haaland, and Ashley Callingbull. I read about all of these amazing women who have done so much for Indigenous people and learned so much about these overlooked Indigenous Ogitchidaakwe. Reading about these women that I really don’t know made me think of the overlooked Indigenous Ogitchidaakwe in our area.

For me, growing up, I could always look up to the women in my family. The moms, the aunties, the grandmas, great-grandmas, sisters, and even cousins that were like my sisters. I grew up with an amazing strong-spoken Auntie Christine Sam, and I remember how passionate she was about women’s rights and the safety of women in domestic violence. I remember her being unafraid of anything.

My great-grandma Starry Skinaway showed me the importance of holding the family together and that the woman is the backbone of the family. She would also show me the importance of checking on your neighbors and always asking our neighbors if they need anything. One of her teachings was to never judge other people and to remember that no one is below us and we are not below anyone either; we are all equal.

My grandma Agnes always taught me the importance of family, too. She has a quote hanging in the museum that brings me to tears whenever I read it, and it says, “When my mother was alive, she kept everybody together. That’s what we do here — keep the families together.”

I grew up looking up to a different list of ladies who I think are overlooked and should be on the top lists. On my top list would be my mom, my grandmas, my great-grandmas, my aunties, my sisters, my cousins, and some amazing Ogitchidaakwe I looked up to as a youth and young woman growing up on the Rez.

I would put the late former Chief Executive Marge Anderson on my top list, as she was an amazing leader. I admire her for her strength. She was a powerful pioneer for women. She opened so many doors for women as being the first woman to lead our Tribe and any Minnesota tribe. She knew how to speak our language fluently. She successfully dedicated herself to our Tribe. I’ve always seen her as a leader, and I remember seeing her at the dance hall and she was the sweetest, friendliest woman.

Growing up, I knew current Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin as the Commissioner. She spoke to us during a tour of the government center. She stressed the importance of giving back to our Tribe and getting an education. I commend her devotion to our Tribe and our community. Her representation at the tribal, state, and federal level is powerful and unique. I truly admire her success and her work with women's empowerment. I also admire her devotion to our culture and language.

Former District I Representative Sandi Blake is an inspiration, as she has given so much of her time, commitment, and passion not only for District I, but for all of our Tribe and our community. She is a very kind woman.

Former Secretary-Treasurer Carolyn Beaulieu became the first female elected to hold that position for the Mille Lacs Band opening the doors for future women. I admire her for her commitment to our people and most of all her commitment to education and caring for Band members while working for Band Member Development.

A most recent leader is District II Representative Wendy Merrill. She would be on my top list due to her passion and commitment not only to District II and IIa, but to all of our Tribe and community. I admire her knowledge and her willingness to better our community. What I admire most is her role in her family and her commitment to ceremony and roundies.

I would add all the Elder women, as they have so much experience and wisdom, especially the Elders who share their knowledge and teach our language.

I can’t overlook all the women I work with or have worked with as they go above and beyond for our Band members, programs, and branch. I learn so much from my team members. I admire their work ethic and professionalism. I would add all my friends, as they truly support and love without expecting anything in return, and they give everything they have for their families and our community. Special shout-out to Tammy Smith, Biidaana LeAnn Benjamin, and Shannon Porter for always listening and supporting our work with the community.

This may be a little biased: I married into a woman-strong family. My mother (I don’t use in-law) Rose Wind and my Aunt Christine Kegg have an abundance of woman power. They show so much of the “woman is the backbone of the family.” They are truly there for their family no matter what time or where they are. Family is not only a priority, but family is first. They go above and beyond helping our community not only through their jobs, but through volunteering and helping anyone in the community. They are known for their amazing gifts and talent, and the most amazing thing is they are willing to teach and share their gifts of making fry bread and sewing. They are always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs one. They share whatever they have; they are so giving. They care about the importance of a healthy life and they support so many people no matter what journey they are on. They shine so bright and have the most amazing humor. The thing I love about them the most is that they have so much compassion and empathy for all our people; a family can be going through the most difficult time and these two are there. They care so much for our culture and language and especially our people, they are truly the backbone of the community.

I would also add all the Ogitchidaakwe who help with the ceremonial drums and all the women who speak fluently or are second language speakers, all the women that help at funerals, and especially the women who officiate funerals.

There are so many leaders in our community who lead without the title. I would have so many on my list for so many amazing reasons. I’m sure I could name any woman in our community and have an amazing reason for her to be on a top list.

I applaud all the women in our community and I look forward to seeing your name on an Indigenous Women History top list in the future