The story of Pocahontas saving John Smith is justly famous, as is the cross-country journey of Sacajawea with the Corps of Discovery, and Sarah Winnemucca earned fame by being a champion of her people as the old ways of life were disappearing. But there are lesser known stories of the Native American women who shaped their cultures and changed the course of American history. Illustrated with archival photographs, and encompassing twenty states—from Florida to Washington, Alaska to Maine—and many different tribes, this book brings together these amazing stories. The story of Pocahontas saving John Smith is justly famous, as is the cross-country journey of Sacajawea with the Corps of Discovery, and Sarah Winnemucca earned fame by being a champion of her people as the old ways of life were disappearing. But there are lesser known stories of the Native American women who shaped their cultures and changed the course of American history--stories that have all too often been overlooked. Under the extreme circumstances that faced indigenous peoples over the centuries, brave and intelligent Native American women often put their safety and the lives of their families at risk by taking on the roles of peacemakers, diplomats, and spokeswomen for their people. Wise Women brings together their amazing stories. Encompassing states from Florida to Alaska and many different tribes, it preserves the legacies of wise women who were caught between two cultures, and yet worked tenaciously to preserve the traditions of their tribes and to teach others. You'll meet: - Sacajawea, Jane Timothy Silcot, and Kateri Tekakwitha, whose actions changed the destiny of their tribes - Dat so la lee, Frances Slocum, and Nampeyo, who achieved greatness through arts such as pottery and basketmaking - Maggie Axe Wachacha, Lozen, and Gladys Tantaquidgeon, who excelled at healing and magical traditions