As we continue our observance of Women’s History Month at Rosemont College, Campus Ministry is proud to feature remarkable women who have shaped history through their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice. Each week, we highlight a trailblazer in the lobby of the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center, inviting our community to reflect on their legacies. This week, we turn our attention to Suzan Shown Harjo. She is a Native American leader whose six decades of advocacy have profoundly impacted Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.

Her Background

Born on June 2, 1945, in El Reno, Oklahoma, Suzan Shown Harjo is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. She is also a member of the Hodulgee Muscogee people.

Raised in Cheyenne Arapaho Treaty territory by her maternal grandparents and on Muscogee allotted farmland by her paternal grandparents, her early life was steeped in the rich traditions and histories of her peoples.

Her Passion

This foundation fueled her lifelong passion for protecting Native lands, sacred places, and cultural rights. Harjo’s advocacy began in the late 1960’s when she co produced “Seeing Red“. This was the first Indigenous radio news show. It was based in New York City and aired from 1968 to 1975.

She later served as news director for the American Indian Press Association. In the 1970’s, she worked in President Jimmy Carter’s administration, focusing on Indigenous rights and legislation.

In 1984, Harjo founded The Morning Star Institute, a national nonprofit dedicated to Native cultural rights and traditions.

She served as Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians from 1984 to 1989. In this role, she led campaigns to address anti Indigenous policies.

National Impact

Her efforts were instrumental in several landmark laws. This includes the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, which protected Native spiritual practices. It also includes the National Museum of the American Indian Act of 1989. This act established the Smithsonian’s museum dedicated to Native cultures. Finally, it also includes the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. This last act ensured the return of ancestral remains and cultural items to tribes.

One of her most visible fights was against the use of Native mascots in sports. This famously culminated in the successful challenge to the Washington Redskins trademark. She described this as a step toward eliminating harmful stereotypes.

Through her work, she has helped Native peoples recover over one million acres of tribal lands and protected sacred sites.

Beyond policy, Harjo is a poet, writer, curator, and lecturer whose voice has amplified Native stories.

Trailblazing Recognition

She was a founding trustee of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Harjo has also been inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame for her advocacy. She has likewise been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As the nation’s highest civilian honor, he recognized her as someone who has “fought all her life for human, civil, and treaty rights of Native peoples.”

She became the first Native woman elected to both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020) and to the American Philosophical Society (2022).

Suzan Shown Harjo’s story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit of justice. She boldy reminds us of the vital role women play in advocating for marginalized communities. As we display her feature in the Community Center lobby, we invite students, faculty, and staff to learn more about her contributions to society. Her work inspires us to build a more equitable world, honoring the treaties, cultures, and peoples that form the foundation of this land.

Join us next week for our next featured woman. Let’s carry the spirit of Women’s History Month forward in our actions and reflections. For more information, visit the Cultural Heritage Gallery.

The Rosemont Experience

At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.

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