We are beauty and we walk in it: Native American women in leadership roles

Historically, Native American women played key roles in leading and sustaining their communities (Noel, 2010; Schmidt, 2012). Although colonisation devalued and undermined women’s leadership, contemporary Native American women are reclaiming key roles. Once again communities are looking to the strengths of Indigenous women to guide positive and lasting transformations. This chapter examines the roles that Native American women traditionally played in their communities and how these were impacted by colonisation, a force that institutionalised previously unknown patriarchal values and structures. The persistence and resurgence of strong roles for Native women are highlighted, including specific examples of Indigenous social workers in leadership roles. The chapter examines how Native American women are transforming their communities and shaping surrounding societies to enhance the well- being of Indigenous peoples. The chapter concludes with reflections on how decolonisation and reclaiming traditional leadership roles for women can help lead the way forward.