About This Lesson
Suzan Shown Harjo is a renowned Native American activist, poet, and cultural leader whose work has transformed the landscape of Indigenous rights and advocacy in the United States. A member of the Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee Nations, Harjo has dedicated her life to protecting sacred sites, preserving Native traditions, and challenging harmful stereotypes. She played a pivotal role in landmark legislation like the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, and the legislation creating the National Museum of the American Indian. Plus, she has been a leading voice in campaigns to eliminate offensive sports mascots. Harjo’s legacy of activism and cultural preservation earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, cementing her as a champion of Native heritage and justice. This video lesson explores her extraordinary journey and the profound impact of her advocacy on Indigenous communities.
