Charmaine White Face facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charmaine White Face
Zumila Wobaga
Charmaine White Face presenting "America's Chernobyl" – the facts about the 3,272 abandoned open pit uranium mines in the Great Sioux Territory – on a 10-day tour on the East Coast, 2013
Oglala Tituwan elder
Personal details
Born	Deadwood, SD
Awards	2007 Nuclear Free Future Award, Salzburg, Austria In April 2017, she received the 2017 Dakota Conference Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of the Northern Plains from the Center for Western Studies, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD.

Charmaine White Face, also known as Zumila Wobaga, is an important leader from the Oglala Lakota nation. She is part of the Oceti Sakowin, also known as the Great Sioux Nation, in North America. She is known for her strong efforts to protect the rights of Native American people.

Charmaine White Face works hard to make sure the U.S. government keeps its promises. These promises were made in old agreements called the Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868. She is a key person in the Defenders of the Black Hills, a group of volunteers who work to protect the environment.

She also speaks up for the rights of indigenous (native) people around the world. She is the official spokesperson for the Sioux Nation Treaty Council, which was started in 1894. Charmaine White Face has received awards for her work, including the Nuclear Free Future Award. She is also a writer and a grandmother.

Protecting Native American Rights

Charmaine White Face is a strong voice for Native American rights. She believes that the U.S. government should honor the treaties it signed with the Sioux Nation. These treaties are important agreements that set out the rights and lands of the Lakota people.

The Defenders of the Black Hills

As the coordinator for the Defenders of the Black Hills, Charmaine White Face leads efforts to protect the Black Hills. This area is very special and sacred to the Lakota people. The group works to make sure the land and its resources are cared for.

A Voice for Indigenous Peoples Worldwide

Charmaine White Face also works on a global scale. She helps to make sure that the human rights of indigenous people everywhere are recognized. She has attended important international meetings, like one in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss these rights.

Protecting the Environment

A big part of Charmaine White Face's work is protecting the environment. She focuses on several important issues that affect her community and the land.

Monitoring Uranium Mines

She works to keep an eye on old, abandoned uranium mines. These mines can be dangerous because they might release harmful radiation. She also helps with cleaning up hazardous waste areas.

Standing Up Against Nuclear Dangers

Charmaine White Face is also involved in the anti-nuclear power movement. She has raised concerns about people being exposed to radiation. For example, she spoke out about the possible radiation exposure of soldiers in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

Protecting Sacred Sites

She has worked hard to preserve Bear Butte, a sacred place for many Native American tribes. Protecting such sites is important for cultural heritage and spiritual practices.

Charmaine White Face as a Writer

Besides her activism, Charmaine White Face is also a talented writer. She writes columns and articles for different newspapers and publications. Her writings help to share her message and educate others about Native American issues. She has written for Indian Country Today, the Rapid City Journal, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, and The Lakota Journal.

Images for kids

• 

  Charmaine White Face presenting "America's Chernobyl" – the facts about the 3,272 abandoned open pit uranium mines in the Great Sioux Territory – on a 10-day tour on the East Coast, 2013