Josephine Gates Kelly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josephine Gates Kelly
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|---|---|
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| Born |
Josephine Gates
January 24, 1888 |
| Died | October 23, 1976 (aged 88) |
| Known for | First female tribal chair in the United States |
| Spouse(s) |
Covin Kelly
(m. 1920) |
| Children | 7 |
| Parent(s) |
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Josephine Gates Kelly (born January 24, 1888 – died October 23, 1976) was an important Native American activist. An activist is someone who works to bring about social or political change. In 1946, she made history by becoming the first woman to lead a tribal council in the United States. She was elected as the Tribal Chair of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
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Josephine Gates Kelly's Early Life and Education
Josephine Gates Kelly was born on January 24, 1888, in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Her parents were Nellie Two Bears Gates and Frank Gates.
In 1902, when she was about 14 years old, Kelly left her home at Standing Rock. She went to study at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. This was a special school for Native American children. She worked hard and graduated in 1909. She was the first girl from her reservation to graduate from Carlisle. After finishing school, she worked for the governor of North Dakota. Her job was a stenographer, which means she took notes quickly using a special shorthand system.
Becoming a Leader and Activist
Josephine Gates Kelly started getting involved in politics in the 1930s. She was especially interested in the politics of Native Americans and the Nonpartisan League. She even hitchhiked all the way to Washington, D.C. to protest parts of the Indian Reorganization Act. This act was a law that changed how Native American tribes were governed.
In 1940, the people of the Standing Rock Tribe elected Kelly to be a member of their Tribal Council. This was an important step in her political journey.
A Historic Election
In 1944, she attended the National Republican Convention in Chicago, Illinois. She went as a delegate, which means she was chosen to represent her area and vote on important issues.
Then, in November 1946, something truly historic happened. Josephine Gates Kelly was elected as the Tribal Chair of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. This made her the very first woman to hold such a leadership position in a tribal council in the entire history of the United States.
As Tribal Chair, she worked hard to make life better for the people on the Standing Rock reservation. She was re-elected every year for five years, serving until 1951.
Honoring Native American Heroes
In the early 1950s, Kelly helped to create a special memorial in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This memorial was built to honor Native Americans who had died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It was a way to remember their bravery and sacrifice.
Josephine Gates Kelly's Family Life
Josephine Gates married Covin Kelly in 1920. They had seven children together. Their youngest son, Louis, was killed while serving in the military. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a very famous cemetery for military heroes.
One of her daughters, Susan Kelly Power, also became an important leader. She helped to start the American Indian Center in Chicago, Illinois. This center helps Native American people in the city.
Josephine Gates Kelly passed away on October 23, 1976. She was 88 years old and left behind a powerful legacy of leadership and activism.
