Zitkala-Ša

Zitkala-Sa, born Gertrude Simmons on February 22, 1876, in South Dakota, was an Indigenous writer, musician, and activist. Her works "Old Indian Legends" and "American Indian Stories" explore indigenous identity, resistance, and resilience. She composed The Sun Dance Opera in 1913, the first opera written by an indigenous person. As an activist, she co-founded the National Council of American Indians and served as its president. Her deep commitment to justice and cultural survival laid the foundation for future Native rights movements. She passed away at 61 on January 26, 1938, in Washington, D.C., and continues to inspire Indigenous leaders today.