American Indian Culture and Research Journal

INTRODUCTION The standing of women in traditional Native societies varied from tribe to tribe. In many tribes women held positions of political, social, military, and spiritual leadership. They had the right to choose marriage partners, divorce, own land and property, as well as take critical roles in trade, home life, acculturation, assimilation, and political activism. In sum, Native women have been found to have egalitarian roles within their societies. The role of Native women today remains vital in a variety of tribal communities with recent studies emphasizing that they are essential in forming the “very core of indigenous resistance to genocide and colonization” and in transmission of culture. The most important role of Native women, however, has been and continues to be that of mother. To bear and/or care for Native children is a position of honor and value throughout Native North America. Hence, the health and wellbeing of Native women is essential. Although elements of traditional standing are found in the lives of many modern Native women, times have changed. Like other women in the United States, Native women today have less economic, social, and political power than men. They are a silent and marginalized group often relegated to dependency upon male partners. And as women of color, Native women have a lower economic, educational, and social status. Their position in society impacts every facet of their lives, particularly their health.