Inspiring Empowerment, Leadership, and Advocacy of Indigenous Women Through a Native American Sorority

Abstract

As the first inquiry of a Historically Native American Fraternity and Sorority (HNAFS), the purpose of this research study was to provide greater understanding of the impact of a Native American sisterhood. The genealogical connections (literature review) examined the recent work written about HNAFS and narrowed down the influence of HNAFS on Indigenous women scholars. Indigenous feminism guided the study as it describes how Native/Indigenous women define feminism for them and their communities, which added deeper understanding and meaning to the major findings. This study utilized talking circles as an Indigenous research tool to center sisters’ stories collectively. Major findings for this article highlight how the Native American sisterhood empowered Native women, developed them as leaders, and provided opportunities for advocacy work. Recommendations and future directions for HNAFS and higher education professionals are provided.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ It is important to honor the ancestors who have created space and sustained us for who we are today. The authors would like to honor and acknowledge heartwork from scholars that impacts how HNAFS is situated and the literature that speaks to multicultural or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) fraternity and sorority experiences.