Jean Chaudhuri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jean Chaudhuri
Jean Chaudhuri, from a 1971 newspaper
Born	Ella Jean Hill May 29, 1937 Okemah, Oklahoma
Died	February 17, 1997 Tempe, Arizona
Occupation	Community leader, writer, activist

Jean Chaudhuri (born May 29, 1937 – died February 17, 1997) was an important American leader, activist, and writer. She worked to help Native American communities. She was part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She also led groups like the Tucson Indian Center and the Traditional Indian Alliance. Later, in 2013, she was honored in the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame after her death.

Early Life

Jean Chaudhuri was born Ella Jean Hill in Okemah, Oklahoma. Her parents were Wilbur Hill and Mary Anna Hill. She was a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She spoke Creek, her native language, before learning English.

She finished high school at Central High School in Tulsa in 1955. She then went to Oklahoma City University. There, she met her future husband.

Her Work and Achievements

Jean Chaudhuri worked on many programs for Native Americans. She helped communities in Oklahoma, Florida, and Arizona. In 1972, she tried to become a city commissioner in Tallahassee, but she did not win.

She became the leader of the Tucson Indian Center. She also directed the Traditional Indian Alliance of Greater Tucson. Under her guidance, the Alliance started a health clinic in Tucson. Her sister, Richinda Sands, also organized dance classes through the Alliance.

In Phoenix, Jean Chaudhuri was the president of the Arizona chapter of Indian Women in Progress (IWP). She also helped start the Native American Heritage Preservation Coalition. She worked with the Phoenix Indian School Preservation Coalition Project. This group aimed to protect the history of the Phoenix Indian School.

Jean Chaudhuri was also a talented writer and performer. In 1992, she wrote and produced a musical comedy. It was called Indians Discover Christopher Columbus. She also wrote and performed a one-woman play. It was titled Four Seasons of an Indian Woman's Life. After her death, her husband finished and published a book they wrote together. It was called A Sacred Path: the Way of the Muscogee Creeks (2001).

In 1977, Jean Chaudhuri received the Jefferson Award. This award honors people who do great public service. In 2013, she was honored again after her death. She was added to the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

In 1957, Ella Jean Hill married Joyotpaul Chaudhuri. He was a political science professor from India. They had two sons, Joydev and Jonodev.

Jean Chaudhuri passed away in 1997 in Tempe, Arizona. She was 59 years old. Her son, Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri, also became a leader. In 2014, he was named chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. In 2019, he became an ambassador for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Washington, D.C.