Anna Moore Shaw facts for kids
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Anna Moore Shaw was an important Pima leader and writer. She was born on November 30, 1898, and passed away on April 1, 1975. Anna made history as the first Native woman to finish high school in Arizona. She wrote books about her life and Pima stories. She also worked hard to help her community.
Her Early Life and Education
Anna Moore Shaw was born with the name Chehia. She was the youngest child of Red Arrow and Haus Molly. Anna grew up on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Her father, called "the Unbeliever," was one of the last Pima people to become Christian before she was born.
Anna's father wanted his children to learn English. He also wanted them to go to boarding school. In 1908, Anna went to the Phoenix Indian School. She shared a room with Helen Sekaquaptewa for three years. Helen later became a famous Hopi writer.
When Anna was 14, she met Ross Shaw at the Phoenix Indian School. They later got married. Anna finished high school in 1920. She and Ross decided to live in Phoenix. They had three children and raised them there.
A Voice for Her Community
Anna Moore Shaw became a writer when she was 52 years old. She wrote two books. Her first book shared stories from Pima tribal elders. Her second book was about her own life. It showed how important it was to embrace her Pima heritage.
Anna and her husband later retired. They moved back to the Pima's Salt River Indian Reservation. Anna immediately started working to make life better for her community. In 1966, she started the Aid to the Elderly program. This program helped Pima elders get better housing. She also taught young Pima people important traditions. These included basket weaving and parts of the Pima language.
Anna also worked to challenge unfair treatment. She moved into neighborhoods where mostly white people lived. She joined groups like the Parent-Teacher's Association (PTA) and Church Women United. Before Anna, these groups did not have members who were people of color.
