Minnie Hollow Wood
Minnie Hollow Wood was a Lakhota woman who fought courageously alongside male warriors in major battles such as the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. Minnie was the first Lakhota woman warrior to be honored with a sacred War Bonnet, a symbolic give-away, representing one of the highest honors of war, peace, and valor.
Lakota (English spelling)/Lakhota (how those who speak the language prefer to spell it)
The Sioux are a group of Native Americans of North America. The Lakota, also called the Teton Sioux, are the westernmost group, occupying lands in both North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Montana.
Though the Sioux are known as great warriors, family is considered the center of Sioux life. War was an important part of Sioux life because men gained status through battle, and their status was reflected as family honor. The roles of men and women were clearly defined with the men providing for and defending the family. Women were the matriarchs, ruling the family and domestic lives.
What You Will Learn
In this lesson, you will learn about the challenges that Minnie faced and hear from other women who have fought alongside men in this century. Throughout the lesson you will watch videos, look at photos, and organize what you have learned. After learning about Minnie Hollow Wood and other women soldiers, you will be asked to explain why women should be given equal rights to serve in the military alongside men.
