Fab Five

“Fab Five” Monthly Biographies: Native American Women Making History

This November and every month, the Museum uplifts and celebrates the histories and contributions of Native American women. Learn more about writer and activist Susette La Flesche Tibbles (Omaha), pilot Bessie Coleman (of Cherokee descent, pictured), ballerina Maria Tallchief (Osage Nation), 23rd Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Muscogee Creek), and activist and author Winona LaDuke (member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg of the White Earth reservation) in this months “Fab Five.”

Susette La Flesche Tibbles, an Omaha woman, spent her entire life tirelessly campaigning for Native American rights as a speaker, activist, interpreter, and writer.

Susette La Flesche Tibbles (“Bright Eyes”)

Bessie Coleman soared across the sky as the first African American, and the first Native American woman pilot.

Bessie Coleman

Maria Tallchief was one of America's most popular ballerinas.

Maria Tallchief

Poet, activist, and musician Joy Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate in history.

Joy Harjo

Winona LaDuke, a Native American activist, economist, and author, has devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous control of their homelands, natural resources, and cultural practices.

Winona LaDuke

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