Sacheen Littlefeather, Activist, Actor, Native Health Pioneer | Episode 116

Sacheen Littlefeather is an Indigenous activist who is most famous for delivering the speech on Marlon Brando's behalf, turning down the Oscar he won for the Godfather. But Sacheen's accomplishments are many and varied - she studied Native health and was responsible for assisting hospitals with accommodating Native health practices. She has worked on many documentaries regarding Native American cultures and even helped found an organization whose aim was amplifying the presence of Indigenous actors in Hollywood. To this day she brings awareness to Native issues and is an elder in her community.

Public Figure, Fighters, Activist, Native American, STEMGWBB PodcastDecember 8, 2020Sacheen LittlefeatherComment

Wilma Mankiller: Chief, Activist, Visionary | Episode 115

Wilma Mankiller was an activist and tribal politician, the first woman to be elected to the position of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She faced several health crises and through it all worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Nation, published several books, and even received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama. This woman was a powerhouse and an absolute legend.

Public Figure, Fighters, Activist, Firsts, Politics, Native AmericanGWBB PodcastDecember 1, 2020Wilma MankillerComment

Norma Smallwood, the First Native Woman to Win Miss America | Episode 106

As a woman of Cherokee descent, the beautiful Norma Smallwood was the first Native woman to win the Miss America pageant - all the way back in the 1920's! After her win, she lived a glamorous life and was adamant about the cost and worth of her time, ensuring she was paid for appearances and lived a comfortable life. To understand Norma's win and the life and scrutiny she endured afterward in the press, Deanna and Hannah talk about the history of beauty pageants and how they've evolved into one of America's most American past times.

Firsts, Native American, Public FigureGWBB PodcastAugust 12, 2020Norma SmallwoodComment

Susan La Flesche, First Native American Woman to Earn a Medical Degree | Episode 95

Warning! If you're not interested in historical content relevant to our current coronavirus outbreak, then maybe pass this one by. But if you're curious to hear about where the term "Typhoid Mary" originates, this is the episode for you. Mary Mallon was an Irish immigrant who got work as a cook in the kitchens of affluent American families in the late 1800's. At the time, typhoid fever was an illness caused by salmonella bacteria that affected primarily the poor - people living in unhygienic slums and close quarters. Mary became one of the first known asymptomatic carriers of a disease, who spread the disease everywhere she went, blissfully unaware of the danger of her presence.

Public Figure, Native American, Saints and Saviors, STEM, FirstsGWBB PodcastMarch 25, 2020Quarantine, Susan La FlescheComment

The Poet-Chief of Haiti, Anacaona | Episode 39

Hannah tells Deanna the real story of Thanksgiving

Anacaona was a leader of the Taino people, an indigenous Haitian tribe in the 16th century. She had the unfortunate task of dealing with the white conquistadors who came ashore in the 1500's. She was a poet and the ultimate diplomat, and despite the horrific abuse she and her people suffered at the hands of the conquistadors, she is remembered as one of Haiti's enduring heroines. She was a seriously good witch whose legacy lives on.

Native American, Herstory, Royals, Public FigureGWBB PodcastNovember 21, 2018AnacaonaComment

The Defiance Of The Dann Sisters | Episode 38

November is Native American Heritage Month! As a result, we're talking about some amazing Native American women from then and now.

The Dann Sisters were and are spiritual leaders of the Western Shoshone tribes in Nevada, Utah, and California. They have claimed ownership of their land since it was passed to them by their family in the seventies - right around the time the US Government decided they no longer had a right to it. These women have fought for their right to their ancestral home for decades, and like the serious bad bitches they were and are, continue the fight to this day.

Activist, Native AmericanGWBB PodcastNovember 18, 2018The Dann SistersComment

Finds Them And Kills Them | Episode 24

Osh Tisch, or, Finds Them and Kills Them, was a warrior, an expert in sewing, tanning, and all “women’s work”, a leader in her community, and one of the last of the Crow Nation baté, a Two Spirit spiritual leader of the Crow Nation.

Native American, LGBTQIA+, FightersGWBB PodcastNovember 17, 2018Osh TischComment