Annie Dodge Wauneka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Annie Dodge Wauneka
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| Born |
Annie Dodge
April 11, 1910 Deer Spring, near Sawmill, Arizona Territory, U.S.
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| Died | November 10, 1997 (aged 87) Toyei, Arizona, U.S.
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| Nationality | Navajo Nation |
| Known for | Native American activist |
| Office | Navajo Nation Council |
| Spouse(s) |
George Wauneka
(m. 1929; died 1994) |
| Children | 6–10 |
| Parent(s) | Henry Chee Dodge K'eehabah |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom Navajo Medal of Honor Indian Council Fire Achievement Award |
Annie Dodge Wauneka (born Annie Dodge; April 11, 1910 – November 10, 1997) was an important leader of the Navajo Nation. She was a member of the Navajo Nation Council, which is like their government. Annie worked hard to make health and education better for her people.
She is famous for her efforts to fight diseases, especially tuberculosis, in the Navajo Nation. Annie also created a special dictionary. It helped translate medical words from English into the Navajo language. For her amazing work, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. This award was given to her by President Lyndon B. Johnson. She also earned other honors, like the Navajo Medal of Honor. In 2000, Annie Wauneka was added to the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Learning
Annie Dodge was born on April 11, 1910. Her father was Henry Chee Dodge, a well-known Navajo leader. Her mother was K'eehabah. Annie was born near what is now Sawmill, Arizona. When she was about one year old, she went to live with her father's family. Her step-mother and aunt helped raise her.
As a young girl, Annie helped her father with farm animals. She herded horses, donkeys, and goats. In the summer, she would visit her mother and help with sheep.
School Days
In 1918, when Annie was eight, she started school. She went to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding School in Fort Defiance, Arizona. There, she learned to speak English. During her first year, a big sickness called the Spanish flu spread. Annie got a mild case of the flu but recovered. She stayed at school to help care for other sick students. This experience made her interested in public health.
Later, Annie faced another sickness called trachoma. Many students, including her, were sent to a mission for care. She continued her studies at the Albuquerque Indian School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She finished her schooling in the eleventh grade.
Much later in her life, Annie earned a special degree. It was a bachelor's degree in public health from the University of Arizona. She also received an honorary doctorate from the University of New Mexico. While at the Albuquerque Indian School, Annie met George Wauneka. They got married in 1929.
A Career of Service
After getting married, Annie traveled with her father across the Navajo Nation. She saw that many people did not have good medical care. She also saw a lot of poverty. This made her want to help her community.
In 1951, Annie made history. She became the second woman ever elected to the Navajo Nation Council. She was quickly chosen to lead the council's Health and Welfare Committee. She worked on this committee for 27 years. She was its leader for three terms.
During her time on the council, Annie achieved many great things:
- She translated important medical words into the Navajo language.
- She hosted a radio show to explain health issues to her people.
- She worked to improve care for pregnant women and babies.
- She helped improve eye and ear health.
- She also worked to make sanitation and housing better in the community.
In 1953, her husband, George, wanted to run for her council position. But Annie felt she was the better choice. So, she ran against him and won!
Later Years
Annie Dodge Wauneka passed away on November 10, 1997. She was in a nursing home in Toyei, Arizona. Her legacy of improving health and education for the Navajo people lives on.
