Gertrude Simmons Bonnin

[Tuesday Afternoon]

Zitkala-Ša (or Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, her missionary-given name), was a Sioux author, artist, and activist. Her writings explored her position at the intersection of mainstream American culture and her Native American heritage. In 1926, Zitkala-Ša founded the National Council of American Indians, which advocated citizenship and suffrage for Native Americans.

[seabeyond]

1. back to the basics. nt

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. yes. eom

[redqueen]

3. I wonder if she liked those clothes.

I wonder if she chose them for herself.

Thanks for this post.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. I wondered the same thing, redqueen ... with that said

I love that picture and I love that style of dress ... but, then I love clothes, costumes, accessories of all kinds from all eras.

I also love this ...



or this ...

[redqueen]

5. She was truly an amazing person.

Thank you again for this thread.

I like this picture of her:



She wrote a book called Why I am a Pagan. I'm going to enjoy this.

Thank you again.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. you are so welcome. I had to post because she writes about

the intersection of mainstream American culture and her Native American heritage.

I think we are seeing this intersection taking place on DU.

People here on DU are witnessing the intersection of cultural diversity and its impact on Mainstream culture.

It is messy but, it is necessary.

[theHandpuppet]

9. I found this passage especially moving

"The little incident recalled to mind the copy of a missionary paper brought to my notice a few days ago, in which a "Christian" pugilist commented upon a recent article of mine, grossly perverting the spirit of my pen. Still I would not forget that the pale-faced missionary and the hoodooed aborigine are both God's creatures, though small indeed their own conceptions of Infinite Love. A wee child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is Paganism, then at present, at least, I am a Pagan."

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. By that definition I am pagan, too.

[ismnotwasm]

7. Gorgeous picture

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. yes, I think so. Just a lovely picture of a Strong Woman. We needed it today.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. Thanks so much

She was incredibly accomplished by any standards!

The last state to accept Native Americans' right to vote was Utah in 1956. New Mexico successfully prevented Native Americans from voting until 1962.

Music was a true love and she is the only Native American to write an opera.

http://arlingtoncemetery.net/gsbonnin.htm