LaNada War Jack facts for kids

LaNada War Jack (born LaNada Vernae Boyer, 1947) is an American writer and activist. She was the first Native American student at the University of California at Berkeley in 1968. She helped create and lead the Native American Student Organization.

In 1969, she led the Third World Strike at UC Berkeley. This strike helped start the first ethnic studies courses at the university. A few months later, she helped organize the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969. After this, she finished her degree and studied law. She also took part in a protest at the Bureau of Indian Affairs office in 1972.

Later, LaNada War Jack served on the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation of Idaho Tribal Council. She also earned a PhD and became a professor. She continues to work for Native American rights.

Early Life and Education

LaNada Vernae Boyer was born in 1947. Her birthplace was the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Bingham County, Idaho. Her parents were Olive May and Edward Queep Boyer. Her mother was a World War II veteran. Her father served in the United States Navy. He later became a leader of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. He worked to protect tribal land and rights.

LaNada went to school on the reservation. She also attended American Indian boarding schools. She was a good student. But she often got into trouble for speaking out. She spoke against how children were treated. For example, children were punished for speaking their native language.

In 1965, LaNada moved to San Francisco. This was part of a U.S. government program. She married Theodore L. Means and had two children. They divorced in 1967. In 1968, she started at the University of California at Berkeley. She was the first Native American student admitted there. She quickly became active in student groups. She led the effort to create the Native American Student Organization. She then became its leader.

Leading Student Protests (1969–1973)

In January 1969, LaNada Means joined the Third World Strike. Students wanted the university to teach about the histories of different cultures. They also wanted people of color to teach these courses. LaNada was arrested during these protests. She was also suspended for her leadership.

The strikes were successful within three months. The university agreed to start the first ethnic studies department. This was a big win for students.

The Alcatraz Occupation

Alcatraz Island was an important symbol for Native Americans. In 1969, a plan was made to build on Alcatraz. Soon after, a main meeting place for Native Americans in San Francisco burned down. Native American groups then planned to take over Alcatraz Island. They wanted to use it as a new cultural center.

On November 9, 1969, LaNada Means and Richard Oakes led 12 students to Alcatraz. They stayed overnight but left the next day. LaNada then urged students to plan a return. They chose November 20, 1969. This was when other leaders were away.

LaNada was one of the few who stayed on the island for the entire 19-month occupation. She brought her 2-year-old son, Deynon. Activists brought their families to show their commitment. LaNada wrote a plan to get money for a cultural center on Alcatraz. She traveled across the U.S. to gain support. She even became friends with actress Jane Fonda. The Alcatraz Occupation became a symbol. It showed the struggle of Native people to reclaim their identity. It also led to many other protests.

After Alcatraz

When the occupation ended, LaNada finished her studies. She graduated with honors in Native American Law & Politics in 1971. She helped start the Native American Rights Fund. She served on its board for ten years. She then moved to Washington D.C. to study law. In November 1972, she took part in another protest. She helped occupy the offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The activists stayed for a week. They wanted to show how the government failed Native Americans.

Working for Her People (1976–Present)

LaNada Boyer returned to her reservation. In 1976, she was elected to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Council. She served for two years. During this time, the tribe had disagreements with the local county. These were about land rights and hunting. LaNada believed the reservation should be under tribal law.

In 1979, LaNada married Alvin Ray "Gus" James. He was a Paiute man. He worked on water rights issues for his tribe. By the early 1980s, LaNada and Gus lived on a ranch in Nevada. They practiced permaculture, which is a way to grow food using natural systems. LaNada earned a certificate in permaculture design in 1985. She had two more children. She also helped Gus with their water rights case. She worked to protect Native American water rights.

Later Career and Continued Activism

LaNada James later divorced and moved back to Idaho. She earned a master's degree in public administration. In 1999, she earned a PhD in political science. She was the first person from her tribe to get a doctorate. She began using her tribal name, LaNada War Jack. She served as the Executive Director of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes for three years.

In 2002, LaNada War Jack attended a summit about land. She also started a non-profit group. It is called the Atzlana Foundation. This group works to protect Native rights to air, land, fishing, and water.

LaNada War Jack continues her activism today. She was involved in the Standing Rock protest in 2016. She also took part in celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Alcatraz Occupation. She speaks widely about Native rights. She has taught Native American History at Creighton University. She also lectures at UC Berkeley. Today, she is a distinguished professor at Boise State University. She teaches courses on Native law and governance.