Indians You Should Know
And Include....
Many years ago, we were shown an assignment from a public school which included a list of "100 Great Americans". We looked the list over and of course, discovered that not one American Indian person was included in it. Native people should always be included in any and all classroom discussions about "Great Americans". Hence, the creation of this page. Please feel free to print this and share it!
PAST
Caonabo - Taino
Taino Headman who discovered Columbus
Crazy Horse - Oglala Lakota
Quiet, strong-hearted and courageous leader of the Lakota Nation. Murdered at Fort Robinson, Nebraska on September 5th, 1877.
Goyahkla ('Geronimo') - Chiricahua Apache
A genius guerilla warrior who fought to the end for his people. Imprisoned at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Wanted to see his homeland before he passed away. Was denied, and died in prison a sad, old man in 1909.
Pocahontas - Algonquian
Daughter of Wahunsenacawh. Saved John Smith's life. Married John Rolfe. Went with him to England. Was dubbed 'Lady Rebecca Rolfe'. Died in England in 1616. Buried in a cemetery in England under a headstone that reads 'Rebecca Rolfe'.
Sitting Bull - Hunkpapa Lakota
Powerful leader, holy man and headman for the Lakota Nation. Murdered in 1890.
Pontiac - Odawa
Great leader of the Odawa Nation. His people were the first in the world to experience bio-chemical warfare - in the form of smallpox infested blankets, which were given to his people as 'gifts'. Murdered near Cahokia, Illinois in 1769.
Junaluska - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Saved Andrew Jackson's life. Jackson later became President, and 'thanked' Junaluska with his 'Indian Relocation Act', which defied the U.S. Supreme Court and brought about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation. Junaluska later stated in regards to having saved Jackson's life, "If I had known then what I know now, the history books would have been written much differently."
Red Cloud - Oglala Lakota
Controversial Headman and Military Leader for the Lakota Nation. Officially won a war against the United States of America, resulting in the Treaty of 1868, which the U.S. has never honored. Became a spokesman for the Lakota in his later years.
Coosaponakeesa (Creek Mary) - Muscogee
Dubbed the 'Empress of the Creek Nation', she was bi-lingual and highly intelligent. She gathered and brought Muscogee (Creek) forces to reclaim their rightful land in the 1750's. A battle never happened and she was imprisoned. Died in 1763.
Lozen - Chiricahua Apache
This incredible woman was considered by many Apaches to be 'the greatest warrior who ever lived'. Surrendered with Geronimo in 1886. Died in prison.
John 'Fire' Lame Deer - Oglala Lakota
Spiritual elder and holy man, and author of an autobiography - Seeker of Visions
Quanah Parker - Kwahadi Comanche
Brilliant war general for the Comanche Nation. Fought fiercely to save the ways and lands of his people. Later, became a successful business man. Died in 1911.
Tocmetone - Sarah Winnemucca - Numa (Northern Paiute)
Born in 1844. Her father was a holy man. She became a writer, and outspoken advocate for her people, lecturing in cities across the U.S. Wrote a memoir entitled: Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims. Died in 1891.
Ten Bears - Yamperethka Comanche
Great orator and leader for the Comanche people. Died in October of 1872.
Black Elk - Oglala Lakota
Holy Man of the Lakota Nation. Authored two books, Black Elk Speaks, and The Sacred Pipe. Born in 1863. Entered the Spirit world in 1950.
Standing Bear - Ponca
Exceptional leader and speaker. Went to Supreme Court in 1879 and won a landmark case which, for the first time, stated that Indians were human beings. It still took nearly 100 years for this concept to gain acceptance in mainstream American society.
Will Rogers - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Famous Cherokee philosopher, writer, humorist, actor, rope spinner and cowboy. Born in 1879 in Indian Territory - Oklahoma. Died in a tragic plane crash in 1935.
Jim Thorpe - Sac & Fox
Considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. Served as president of the newly formed 'National Football League'(NFL) in 1920.
John Ross - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
A leader among the Cherokee people. Helped to get the Western Band Cherokee Nation on its feet after the infamous 'Trail of Tears'.
Ohiyesa (Charles Eastman) - Dakota
Famed orator and author of several books, including Soul of the Indian
Sequoyah (S-si-qua-ya) - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Creator and developer of the Cherokee syllabary, which was used in the publication of Cherokee newspapers, translation of hymnals and other important papers. Many significant places are named in his honor.
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PRESENT
Wilma Mankiller - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Former Principal Chief of the Western Band Cherokee Nation
Ben Nighthorse Campbell - Southern Cheyenne
Former Senator for the State of Colorado
Winona Laduke - Anishinabe
Former Vice-Presidential running mate to Ralph Nader - Civil rights and environmental activist
Danial Akaka - Hawaiian
Former Senator for the State of Hawaii
Tantoo Cardinal - Metis/Cree
Actress who played major role in Dances with Wolves and many other films
Russell Means - Oglala Lakota
Actor, writer, speaker and firebrand political activist. Played in the movie Last of the Mohicans, and was the voice of Pocahontas' father in the Disney fantasy animated cartoon epic, Pocahontas.
John EchoHawk - Pawnee
A Native American attorney and co-founder of the Native American Rights Fund, established in 1970. He is a leading member of the Native American self-determination movement.
Walter Echo-Hawk - Pawnee
Worked as a lawyer for the Native American Rights Fund for more than 35 years. He was instrumental in securing passage of two federal laws that respect Indian and religious freedoms and also the repatriation of Native American remains to Indian tribes.
Floyd Red Crow Westerman - Lakota
Actor - played 'Ten Bears' in Dances with Wolves, and appeared in countless movies throughout his career.
Susan Harjo - Cheyenne
President of the Morning Star Foundation
Mary Youngblood - Aleut/Seminole
'First Lady' of the Native American Flute
Joseph Bruchac - Abenakee
Author of many great books on the wisdom of American Indian storytelling
Adam Beach - Saulteaux
Actor - Played 'Ira Hayes' in Wind Talkers, and 'Ohiyesa/Charles Eastman' in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Vine Deloria Jr., Phd. - Oglala Lakota
Author of many great books on American Indian issues
Diane Glancy - Cherokee
Poet and author of several wonderful books
Doc Tate Nevequaya - Comanche
One of the early pioneers of Native American Flute music
Leonard Crow Dog - Oglala Lakota
Noted spiritual leader, played a major role with AIM in the 60s & 70s
Graham Greene - Oneida
Actor - played 'Kicking Bird' in Dances with Wolves, and has appeared in dozens of other films, often playing roles which thankfully are not your atypical 'Indian' roles.
R. Carlos Nakai - Ute/Dine'
Played a major role in the renaissance of Native American Flute music
Dennis Banks - Anishinabe
Political activist and author, played a major role with AIM in the 60s & 70s
Kevin Locke - Hunkpapa Lakota
Prolific Lakota Flute player, hoop dancer and teacher
Wes Studi - Cherokee
Actor - played in: Dances with Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Geronimo, Heat, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and several other notable movies.
Pamela Medahko - Odawa
Woman of the Year in Michigan. Tribal Liaison for the Little River Band Ottawa Nation
Amanda Blackhorse - Diné (Navajo)
Political Activist who continues to fight against the continued use of 'Indian' mascots and team names in sports and media.
This very 'partial' list will continue to grow....
(apologies to anyone not yet listed)
PAST
Caonabo - Taino
Taino Headman who discovered Columbus
Crazy Horse - Oglala Lakota
Quiet, strong-hearted and courageous leader of the Lakota Nation. Murdered at Fort Robinson, Nebraska on September 5th, 1877.
Goyahkla ('Geronimo') - Chiricahua Apache
A genius guerilla warrior who fought to the end for his people. Imprisoned at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Wanted to see his homeland before he passed away. Was denied, and died in prison a sad, old man in 1909.
Pocahontas - Algonquian
Daughter of Wahunsenacawh. Saved John Smith's life. Married John Rolfe. Went with him to England. Was dubbed 'Lady Rebecca Rolfe'. Died in England in 1616. Buried in a cemetery in England under a headstone that reads 'Rebecca Rolfe'.
Sitting Bull - Hunkpapa Lakota
Powerful leader, holy man and headman for the Lakota Nation. Murdered in 1890.
Pontiac - Odawa
Great leader of the Odawa Nation. His people were the first in the world to experience bio-chemical warfare - in the form of smallpox infested blankets, which were given to his people as 'gifts'. Murdered near Cahokia, Illinois in 1769.
Junaluska - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Saved Andrew Jackson's life. Jackson later became President, and 'thanked' Junaluska with his 'Indian Relocation Act', which defied the U.S. Supreme Court and brought about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation. Junaluska later stated in regards to having saved Jackson's life, "If I had known then what I know now, the history books would have been written much differently."
Red Cloud - Oglala Lakota
Controversial Headman and Military Leader for the Lakota Nation. Officially won a war against the United States of America, resulting in the Treaty of 1868, which the U.S. has never honored. Became a spokesman for the Lakota in his later years.
Coosaponakeesa (Creek Mary) - Muscogee
Dubbed the 'Empress of the Creek Nation', she was bi-lingual and highly intelligent. She gathered and brought Muscogee (Creek) forces to reclaim their rightful land in the 1750's. A battle never happened and she was imprisoned. Died in 1763.
Lozen - Chiricahua Apache
This incredible woman was considered by many Apaches to be 'the greatest warrior who ever lived'. Surrendered with Geronimo in 1886. Died in prison.
John 'Fire' Lame Deer - Oglala Lakota
Spiritual elder and holy man, and author of an autobiography - Seeker of Visions
Quanah Parker - Kwahadi Comanche
Brilliant war general for the Comanche Nation. Fought fiercely to save the ways and lands of his people. Later, became a successful business man. Died in 1911.
Tocmetone - Sarah Winnemucca - Numa (Northern Paiute)
Born in 1844. Her father was a holy man. She became a writer, and outspoken advocate for her people, lecturing in cities across the U.S. Wrote a memoir entitled: Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims. Died in 1891.
Ten Bears - Yamperethka Comanche
Great orator and leader for the Comanche people. Died in October of 1872.
Black Elk - Oglala Lakota
Holy Man of the Lakota Nation. Authored two books, Black Elk Speaks, and The Sacred Pipe. Born in 1863. Entered the Spirit world in 1950.
Standing Bear - Ponca
Exceptional leader and speaker. Went to Supreme Court in 1879 and won a landmark case which, for the first time, stated that Indians were human beings. It still took nearly 100 years for this concept to gain acceptance in mainstream American society.
Will Rogers - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Famous Cherokee philosopher, writer, humorist, actor, rope spinner and cowboy. Born in 1879 in Indian Territory - Oklahoma. Died in a tragic plane crash in 1935.
Jim Thorpe - Sac & Fox
Considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. Served as president of the newly formed 'National Football League'(NFL) in 1920.
John Ross - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
A leader among the Cherokee people. Helped to get the Western Band Cherokee Nation on its feet after the infamous 'Trail of Tears'.
Ohiyesa (Charles Eastman) - Dakota
Famed orator and author of several books, including Soul of the Indian
Sequoyah (S-si-qua-ya) - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Creator and developer of the Cherokee syllabary, which was used in the publication of Cherokee newspapers, translation of hymnals and other important papers. Many significant places are named in his honor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRESENT
Wilma Mankiller - Tsalagi (Cherokee)
Former Principal Chief of the Western Band Cherokee Nation
Ben Nighthorse Campbell - Southern Cheyenne
Former Senator for the State of Colorado
Winona Laduke - Anishinabe
Former Vice-Presidential running mate to Ralph Nader - Civil rights and environmental activist
Danial Akaka - Hawaiian
Former Senator for the State of Hawaii
Tantoo Cardinal - Metis/Cree
Actress who played major role in Dances with Wolves and many other films
Russell Means - Oglala Lakota
Actor, writer, speaker and firebrand political activist. Played in the movie Last of the Mohicans, and was the voice of Pocahontas' father in the Disney fantasy animated cartoon epic, Pocahontas.
John EchoHawk - Pawnee
A Native American attorney and co-founder of the Native American Rights Fund, established in 1970. He is a leading member of the Native American self-determination movement.
Walter Echo-Hawk - Pawnee
Worked as a lawyer for the Native American Rights Fund for more than 35 years. He was instrumental in securing passage of two federal laws that respect Indian and religious freedoms and also the repatriation of Native American remains to Indian tribes.
Floyd Red Crow Westerman - Lakota
Actor - played 'Ten Bears' in Dances with Wolves, and appeared in countless movies throughout his career.
Susan Harjo - Cheyenne
President of the Morning Star Foundation
Mary Youngblood - Aleut/Seminole
'First Lady' of the Native American Flute
Joseph Bruchac - Abenakee
Author of many great books on the wisdom of American Indian storytelling
Adam Beach - Saulteaux
Actor - Played 'Ira Hayes' in Wind Talkers, and 'Ohiyesa/Charles Eastman' in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Vine Deloria Jr., Phd. - Oglala Lakota
Author of many great books on American Indian issues
Diane Glancy - Cherokee
Poet and author of several wonderful books
Doc Tate Nevequaya - Comanche
One of the early pioneers of Native American Flute music
Leonard Crow Dog - Oglala Lakota
Noted spiritual leader, played a major role with AIM in the 60s & 70s
Graham Greene - Oneida
Actor - played 'Kicking Bird' in Dances with Wolves, and has appeared in dozens of other films, often playing roles which thankfully are not your atypical 'Indian' roles.
R. Carlos Nakai - Ute/Dine'
Played a major role in the renaissance of Native American Flute music
Dennis Banks - Anishinabe
Political activist and author, played a major role with AIM in the 60s & 70s
Kevin Locke - Hunkpapa Lakota
Prolific Lakota Flute player, hoop dancer and teacher
Wes Studi - Cherokee
Actor - played in: Dances with Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Geronimo, Heat, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and several other notable movies.
Pamela Medahko - Odawa
Woman of the Year in Michigan. Tribal Liaison for the Little River Band Ottawa Nation
Amanda Blackhorse - Diné (Navajo)
Political Activist who continues to fight against the continued use of 'Indian' mascots and team names in sports and media.
This very 'partial' list will continue to grow....
(apologies to anyone not yet listed)