Since this is Women’s History Month, I would like to take the time to talk about some influential Native women that have not only influenced me personally, but entire generations and nations of people throughout Indian Country. Here are a few Native women who are inspirations, whether in Politics, Film, or Activism:

Tantoo Cardinal

Tantoo is an actress who has been in many movies and television shows that are considered to be mainstream, as well as those that have only been seen by a Native majority. As an actress she has used this platform to give a voice to those that don’t have one. Some notable movies and shows that she has been in is Smoke Signals, Blackstone, Mohawk Girls, Black Robe and Dances With Wolves. In 2009, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions to the growth and development of Aboriginal performing arts in Canada, as a screen and stage actress, and as a founding member of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company. On August 23, 2011, Cardinal, Margot Kidder, and dozens of others were arrested while protesting the proposed extension of the Keystone Pipeline. This is important because this displays her activism as a Native woman who is fighting for all peoples right’s to clean water and that we also have the right to not be subjected to man made earthquakes by the action of fracking.

Michelle Thrush

Very much like Tantoo, Michelle Thrush has been in many movies that are imperative to Native culture. She starred in Northern Exposure, North of 60, Highlander, Forever Knight, Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy, Moccasin Flats and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Skins, Dead Man, Dreamkeeper and Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian. She also starred in Blackstone with Tantoo, and aside from this show being a drama filled hour long show, there are real life issues that are dealt with that come to light in the series. Michelle Thrush’s character Gail Stoney has had to fight with addiction throughout the whole series, she was an alcoholic, and it hindered her every action. It was very hard for her to be a mother, and it was very hard for her to be a daughter, and a functioning member in society really. Each of the episodes touched on serious issues such as the pipeline issue, and even issues that are considered such as sexual harassment and outright rape. Michelle Thrush has demonstrated so much emotion and feeling through her work, and continues to do so with each new project that she takes on, whether it’s on the stage or on screen.

Winona LaDuke

Winona is an American environmentalist, and is very much involved politically. So much so that she ran on a ticket with Ralph Nader as a vice president for the Green party back in 1996 and 2000. She is also the executive director of Honor the Earth, which is a Native environmental advocacy organization that actively plays a role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, advocating treaty rights, property rights and Indigenous inherent rights. Winona LaDuke has been very involved politically, whether it’s activism, speaking out on injustices, or running for office.

Each of these women have had a significant role in contributing to the way that we see the world today. Without trailblazers like Tantoo, younger actresses and activists wouldn’t have the chance to tell our stories as Indigenous women. We wouldn’t get to see ourselves in shows like Mohawk Girls, or Blackstone, shows where we get to see people like us in real time instead of back in the 1800’s or some far off time that isn’t relevant. Women in all backgrounds should have a chance to be honored, and that is why I’m glad that this month exists so that we have a chance to admire unsung heroes who motivate us to be who we are.