fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Barbie has introduced the Maria Tallchief Inspiring Women doll, paying homage to the journey of America’s first prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief. 

This collectible doll not only captures Maria Tallchief’s elegance and artistry but also embodies her lasting impact on ballet and Native American representation within the arts.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 
 

Born in Fairfax, Oklahoma, on the Osage Nation, Tallchief rose to international fame as the prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet. Her career began in her youth, prompting her family to relocate to Los Angeles to provide Tallchief and her sister with advanced ballet training. 

By 17, Tallchief moved to New York City to become a professional dancer. Her insistence on honoring her heritage, even against industry pressure to change her name, remained central to her identity. 

The Barbie doll wears a red dress, the outfit Tallchief herself wore in the iconic 1949 New York Ballet production of The Firebird

Featuring intricate details like a bejeweled hairpiece, tulle tutu, and satin ballet slippers, the doll captures the spirit of Tallchief's ongoing legacy. 

Mattel collaborated closely with Maria Tallchief’s daughter, Dr. Elise Paschen, and the Osage Nation to ensure that the doll’s likeness, outfit, and packaging authentically represent Tallcheif. 

“There is immense value in honoring your heritage while breaking down barriers through artistic self-expression—whether it is through dancing, writing, or another passion,” Dr. Paschen said in a press release. 

As part of the tribute, Barbie is donating to the Center for Native American Youth through the Barbie Dream Gap Project, an initiative supporting Native youth in their health and well-being. 

Barbie will also be hosting a celebration on November 18 in Oklahoma in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the Osage Nation, featuring live performances and Osage-catered cuisine. 

“Maria Tallchief’s determination and connection to her Osage heritage showcase the limitless potential of young women everywhere,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls said. “Her unwavering commitment to Native American and female empowerment makes her story one Barbie is delighted to share.”

The Maria Tallchief doll will join a prestigious list of trailblazing women honored in the Barbie Inspiring Women Series. Since its debut in 2018, the series has celebrated historical figures, including Celia Cruz, Wilma Mankiller, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Maya Angelou, each role model whose courage and achievements have paved the way for future generations. 

Through this unique doll, Barbie continues to shine a spotlight on historical figures who inspire young people to reach new heights. The doll will be available for pre-sale on November 14 through Mattel’s website

More Stories Like This

NFL and Nike Partner with Native American Athletic Foundation to Host All-Star Game at Cowboys' Ford Center
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Changes Name to Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Q&A: Sicangu Lakota Filmmaker Yvonne Russo on Her New Hulu Series, 'Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae'
Third Annual Tribal Museums Day Centers Diverse Histories, Cultures & Lifeways
Tommy Orange's "Wandering Stars" Makes TIME's 100 Must-Read Books of 2024 List

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty? 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Kaili Berg
Author: Kaili BergEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Staff Reporter
Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin.