Honoring Native Voices: Celebrating Leadership and Legacy During Native American Heritage Month
November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Native peoples across the United States.
At YWCA Delaware, our mission to eliminate racism and empower women calls us to uplift Indigenous voices and stand in solidarity with Native communities. We are proud to spotlight Native leaders and changemakers—individuals whose work is transforming their communities and advancing equity. By uplifting their stories, we aim to inspire dialogue, reflection, and deeper connections with the values that unite us.
Uplifting Leaders
Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief was a pioneering Native American ballerina and the first Native American to achieve international fame in classical ballet. A member of the Osage Nation, she broke barriers with her exceptional talent, grace, and dedication, becoming a role model for generations of dancers worldwide.
Renata Flores
Renata Flores is a Peruvian singer-songwriter celebrated for her innovative blending of traditional Quechua music with contemporary styles. Her powerful voice and cultural pride have made her a prominent figure in promoting indigenous language and heritage through her music.
Jacqueline De León
Jacqueline De León is an enrolled member of the Isleta Pueblo and a senior Staff Attorney at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). She specializes in voting rights advocacy, leading efforts to remove barriers to political participation for Native American communities. Jacqueline co-led field hearings across Indian Country on voting rights and authored the report Obstacles at Every Turn. She has testified before Congress on voting rights issues and serves as Chair of the Advisory Committee for the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Election Law.
Sarah Winnemucca
Sarah Winnemucca was a visionary Paiute activist, educator, and author. She tirelessly worked to improve conditions for her people, advocating for Native rights, education, and justice while raising awareness of Native issues on national and international stages.
Matika Wilbur
Matika Wilbur is a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes and an accomplished photographer dedicated to reshaping perceptions of Native American communities. In 2012, she launched her ambitious project, Project 562, photographing people from nearly every federally recognized tribe across the United States to highlight Native identity and resilience. Wilbur’s work emphasizes personal choice and cultural pride, allowing her subjects to showcase their own stories and traditions. Through her compelling imagery and storytelling, she aims to humanize Native peoples, challenge stereotypes, and foster a collective understanding of Indigenous strength and diversity. Her project has garnered national attention, inspiring conversations about identity, recognition, and the ongoing presence of Native communities in contemporary America.
Dr. LaDonna Harris
Dr. LaDonna Harris is a distinguished political scientist and dedicated advocate for Native rights. As a leader in Indigenous policy research and Indigenous leadership development, she has worked tirelessly to promote Native sovereignty, social justice, and community empowerment. Her lifelong commitment to advancing Native American issues has made her a respected voice in policy discussions and Indigenous advocacy.