Six Native Americans who made fame in their respective fields

Native American communities have shaped art, politics, sports and culture in powerful ways, often while overcoming systemic barriers and erasure. These six individuals rose to prominence in their respective fields, bringing Indigenous voices and stories to a global stage. (unsplash)

Deb Haaland: A member of the Laguna Pueblo, Deb Haaland made history as the first Native American U.S. Cabinet secretary, representing Indigenous communities at the highest level of government. (wikimedia commons)

Jim Thorpe: A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Jim Thorpe is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He won Olympic gold medals in 1912 and also played professional football and baseball. (wikimedia commons)

Maria Tallchief: A member of the Osage Nation, Maria Tallchief became America’s first major prima ballerina. She broke barriers in the world of classical ballet and brought Indigenous representation to a global stage. (wikimedia commons)

N. Scott Momaday: A Kiowa author and poet, N. Scott Momaday won the Pulitzer Prize for House Made of Dawn, a landmark novel that brought Native American storytelling into mainstream literature. (wikimedia commons)

Sherman Alexie: A celebrated author and poet, Alexie brought contemporary Native American life into mainstream literature with humour and honesty. (wikimedia commons)

Wilma Mankiller: The first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she transformed healthcare, education and infrastructure for her people, becoming a symbol of strong Indigenous leadership. (wikimedia commons)