Elevating Indigenous Women's Voices

November marks Native American Heritage Month, an important time to honor the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples in North America. It’s an ideal opportunity to amplify Indigenous women's voices, which have often been overlooked in historical narratives. ProQuest™, part of Clarivate™, is helping libraries and faculty seize the moment with its newly developed syllabus, Indigenous Women's Voices in North America, American Empire, and the Global South, 1820-2020: A Syllabus with Documents. This valuable resource provides structured materials that help educators integrate these essential voices into curricula.

Why This Syllabus Matters

• • Structured resource for teaching: This syllabus offers an organized framework for educators who are eager to introduce students to the complex experiences of Indigenous women in the United States. Divided into seven thematic sections, each focusing on unique aspects of Indigenous women's lives, the syllabus pairs primary documents with scholarly introductions. This approach allows educators to present narratives that authentically capture the diverse experiences and contributions of Indigenous women.
  • Fostering critical thinking and discussion: Each section features discussion questions designed to promote critical thinking and engagement among students. Educators can use these questions to guide discussions on themes of identity, resistance and cultural preservation in Indigenous women's histories. By exploring these significant topics, students can better understand the ongoing impacts of colonialism and appreciate the resilience of Indigenous communities.
  • Culturally relevant content: Incorporating this syllabus into classroom discussions empowers educators to provide culturally relevant content that resonates with students. By highlighting Indigenous women's voices, educators can present a richer, more nuanced view of history that goes beyond traditional Eurocentric narratives.
  • Interdisciplinary connections: The syllabus connects multiple academic disciplines, including history, sociology, women's studies and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary framework encourages educators to engage students in broader societal themes such as power dynamics, cultural exchange and the effects of imperialism. Its versatility makes the syllabus an invaluable resource for educators across various academic settings, promoting innovative curriculum integration.
  • Promoting inclusivity in education: By adopting this syllabus, educators can foster a more balanced perspective on historical narratives. Recognizing and amplifying Indigenous women's voices challenges dominant viewpoints that often marginalize their contributions.

Document projects from the syllabus

The syllabus includes several compelling document projects that showcase its rich educational potential:

• • "There is No Development without Women's Participation": Indigenous Women in the Americas, authored by Jill Jensen, University of Redlands, highlights the unique priorities of Indigenous women within the international women's movement. This section emphasizes respect for family, community and stewardship, showcasing how grassroots Indigenous women's organizations increasingly voiced their concerns through the United Nations. Primary source documents illustrate their demands for greater access to resources connected to ancestral lands and respect for their cultural practices.
  • Jane Johnston Schoolcraft and the Middle Ground of Native American History, 1820-1842, authored by Robert Dale Parker, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, examines the intersections of Indigenous and Euro-American cultures through the lens of one of the first Indigenous women writers in North America. Schoolcraft’s writings illustrate the complexities of identity and the cultural negotiations that defined her life and work.
  • Finding Mourning Dove's Voice through Letters in Northwest North America in the 1920s, authored by Laurie Arnold, Gonzaga University, explores the correspondence of Christine Quintasket, also known as Mourning Dove. It reveals her perspectives on cultural identity and community resilience during a time of significant change.

These projects provide practical examples for educators, demonstrating how primary documents can reveal the historical significance of Indigenous women's voices.

A timeless resource

Beyond Native American Heritage Month, the Indigenous Women's Voices syllabus will serve as inspiration for educators who want to include the experiences and contributions of Indigenous women in their classrooms, using it to foster meaningful discussions and help students understand the complexities of history.

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