Unsung History Podcast: Zitkala Shah

Introduction

• Host: Kelly Therese Pollack
• Discusses overlooked people and events in American history
• Encourages listeners to subscribe and share the podcast

Topic: Zitkala Shah

• Background:

  • Born Gertie Aveline Felker on February 22, 1876, in South Dakota
  • Father abandoned the family; raised by mother Ellen Simmons
  • Took the name Zitkala Shah, meaning "Red Bird"

• Early Life:

  • Raised on the Yankton Indian Reservation
  • Attended White's Indiana Manual Labor Institute at age 8
  • Faced cultural disconnection upon returning to the reservation

• Education:

  • Graduated from White's Indiana Manual Labor Institute in 1895
  • Spoke on women's inequality; attended Earlham College
  • Began preserving Native stories

Career and Advocacy

• Teaching and Writing:

  • Taught at Carlisle Indian Industrial School
  • Criticized the boarding school system through writings

• Return to South Dakota:

  • Cared for her mother; broken engagement with Carlos Montezuma

• Literary Contributions:

  • Published "Old Indian Legends" in 1901
  • Collaborated on "The Sun Dance Opera" with Professor William F. Hansen

Political Activism

• Advocacy for Native American Rights:

  • Argued for preservation of Native ways and citizenship rights
  • Moved to Washington, D.C., became politically active
  • Worked for the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act

• Founding of Organizations:

  • Co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926
  • Served as president, public speaker, and fundraiser

Personal Life

• Married Captain Raymond Bonnan, had a son
• Lived among the Ute people for 14 years

Legacy

• Passed away on January 26, 1938, buried in Arlington National Cemetery

Expert Discussion

• Guest: Dr. P. Jane Hafen

  • Professor Emerita of English, expert on Zitkala Shah

• Research and Publications:

  • Discovered unpublished stories at BYU
  • Wrote "Dreams and Thunder" and "Help Indians Help Themselves"

• Boarding School Experience:

  • Zitkala Shah's contrasting experiences and reflections

• Impact and Recognition:

  • Advocated for Indian citizenship and civil rights
  • Highlighted injustices in Oklahoma and other Native American issues

Zitkala Shah's Music

• The Sun Dance Opera:
  • Unique collaboration reflecting Native American culture
  • Challenges in restaging due to complexity

Modern Resonance

• Zitkala Shah's writings remain relevant and modern
• Continues to inspire advocacy for Native American rights

Conclusion

• Ongoing interest in Zitkala Shah's work and potential for further research

Call to Action

• Encourages supporting Native American Rights Fund
• Recommends continued exploration of Zitkala Shah's contributions

Podcast Details

• Sources and contact details available on the Unsung History website
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