- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Today is International Women's Day 2024. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
Historically, Native American women have been involved in the lives of our children, family and tribal communities.
On this International Women's Day, we want to highlight quotes from four Native American women:
Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), U.S. Secretary of the Interior, who is the first Native American to serve in a secretarial posistion within a presidential cabinet
"I believe Native Americans, women, and all of us deserve representation, and that we all need to fight with everything we have to make it so."
Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation
“It is the women who are responsible for bringing along the next generation to carry the culture forward. Women can help turn the world right side up. We bring a more collaborative approach to government. And if we do not participate, then decisions will be made without us.”
Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet and Nimíipuu), first Native American ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar
"The most pressing thing I’ve wanted to say about Killers of the Flower Moon, especially to Native Women & Youth: See it when and only if you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with. You’ll likely have a lot of generational grief to process. You’re not alone."
Nicole Aunapu Mann (Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes), first Native American woman astronaut who went into space
"I feel very proud. It's important that we celebrate our diversity and really communicate that specifically to the younger generation." --
When women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Cheyenne River Youth Project Offers a Busy Summer with Clubs, Parties, Internships and More
NTU Men’s Skyhawks Host Competitive Basketball Tryouts
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
