Maria Pearson facts for kids

Maria Darlene Pearson (born July 12, 1932 – died May 23, 2003) was a very important activist. She successfully changed how Native American ancestral remains were treated by law. Maria was a member of the Turtle Clan of the Yankton Sioux. This is a recognized tribe of the Yankton Dakota.

She played a key role in creating the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Because of her actions, she was called "the Founding Mother of the modern Indian repatriation movement." She was also known as "the Rosa Parks of NAGPRA."

Maria Pearson's Activism

Maria Darlene Pearson began working to protect Native American ancestral remains in 1971. At that time, the Iowa Highway Commission was building a road. They found the bones of 26 European-American pioneers. They also found the bones of a Native American woman and her baby.

Protecting Ancestral Remains

Maria learned about this from her husband, John Pearson. He worked for the Iowa State Highway Commission. The bones of the 26 white settlers were quickly reburied. However, the bones of the Native American mother and child were sent away for study. They went to the Office of the State Archaeologist in Iowa City.

Maria was very upset that Native American remains were treated differently. She felt this was unfair and disrespectful.

Standing Up for Her People

Maria decided to protest at the State Capitol building. She sat outside the governor's office wearing traditional clothing. Finally, she met with Governor Robert D. Ray. The governor asked what he could do for her. Maria replied, "You can give me back my people's bones and you can quit digging them up."

Maria continued to meet with lawmakers, scientists, and other tribal members. Her efforts led to the Iowa Burials Protection Act of 1976. This was the first law in the United States that specifically protected Native American remains.

National Impact and Recognition

Encouraged by her success in Iowa, Maria began to work with national leaders. She was a major force behind the creation of NAGPRA. This important law helps protect Native American graves and sacred objects across the country.

Maria Pearson was featured in a 1995 BBC documentary called Bones of Contention. She was also nominated twice for a Nobel Peace Prize. This shows how important her work was in protecting and returning Native American ancestral remains.

About Maria Pearson's Life

Maria Darlene Pearson was born Darlene Elvira Drappeaux. She was born in Springfield, South Dakota on July 12, 1932. Her mother gave her the Yankton name Hai-Mecha Eunka. This name means "Running Moccasins."

She married John Pearson in 1969. Maria lived most of her adult life in Iowa. She had six children: Robert, Michael, Eldon, Ronald, Richard, and Darlene. She also had 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Maria Pearson passed away in Ames, Iowa on May 23, 2003, at the age of 70.