Native American Women

Women played a very important role in the life of the Native American. They were more than just mothers of the tribes' children. They were builders, warriors, farmers and craftswomen. 

The men knew that women were the source of life and provided a feeling of stregth and consistency to their lives.

The Clan Mother chosen the chiefs

The women had several roles, but probably the most important role of them was having children to ensure the future of their tribes. Each of the long houses they lived in were generally occupied one clan, with the eldest or most respected woman of the clan ruling it as Clan Mother.

It was also women who decided which men should be speakers, although the Tribal Coundil was dominated by male speakers.

Women occasionally even fought in battles beside the men -"War women" - and all the people respected them for their bravery.

By the 1800s the majority of the Native American tribes had lost their independence and had become dominated by white Americans. At this time white Americans did not believe that it was proper for women to fight wars, vote, speak in public, work outside the home, or even control their own children. The Native Americans began to imitate whites, and native American women lost much of their power and prestige.

Webgraphy:

http://www.indians.org/articles/native-american-women.html

http://tribaldirectory.com/information/native-american-women.html

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-sampler/1882

http://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A890552

http://cantonasylumforinsaneindians.com/history_blog/tag/native-american-gender-roles/