Zitkala-Ša : 150 Years

So interesting to learn about this woman this evening. Zitkala-Ša, who also used the name Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Yankton Dakota writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and political activist who wrote about Dakota culture, cultural identity, and Native American stories. She co-founded the National Council of American Indians, that fought for citizenship and civil rights for Native Americans. She also took issue with the boarding school system. Zitkala-Ša studied and played the violin at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and taught music to Native children. She also wrote the libretto and songs for the first American Indian opera, The Sun Dance Opera (1913). Zitkala-Ša was born February 22, 1876.

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