Marie Sanchez facts for kids

Marie Elena Brady Sanchez (born Juanita Marie Brady, Cheyenne: Otseohtse’e; April 30, 1939 - August 9, 2019) was an important American leader. She was a member of the Cheyenne people. Marie Sanchez served as the Chief Judge for the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. She also worked as a human rights activist for Indigenous people. Plus, she was a linguist, studying and working with languages.

Early Life and Family

Marie Sanchez was born on April 30, 1939. Her birth name was Juanita Marie Brady. She was born in Lame Deer, Montana. Her Cheyenne name was Otseohtse’e.

Her father was James Brady. Her mother was Mary Alice Woodenthigh. Marie was a direct descendant of Chief Little Wolf. He was a famous leader of the Northern Cheyenne. She was baptized as Marie Elena Brady in 1942. Later, she married Charles T. Sanchez Sr.

Marie Sanchez's Career and Activism

Marie Sanchez spent her life helping others. She worked to protect the rights of Indigenous people. She also worked to preserve the Cheyenne language.

She was the Chief Judge of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. This is located in Montana. Marie also taught at Montana State University and Chief Dull Knife College. She was a skilled linguist. She helped create the Cheyenne Dictionary with Wayne Leman.

Fighting for Human Rights

Marie Sanchez was a strong voice for human rights. She was part of many important groups. These included the International Indian Treaty Council. She also joined the NOW. She was a member of the Elk Horn Scrapers.

She served on boards for different organizations. These included the National Board of Research on the Plutonium Economy. She also helped the Native American Student Council (NASC). She was part of the Native American Solidarity Committee.

In the 1970s, Marie spoke out. She protested against certain medical procedures. These procedures were done on tribal members. They happened in hospitals on and off the reservation. She believed these procedures were unfair.

In 1974, she helped start Women of All Red Nations (WARN). This group worked for Native American women's rights. She also joined the advisory board of the National Women's Health Network.

Speaking Out on Television

Marie Sanchez shared her message on TV. On December 8, 1976, she appeared on the PBS Newshour. The show was called The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. She talked about unfair medical practices. These practices affected people on the reservation.

On April 15, 1977, she was on the show Woman. This show was on WNED-TV. She discussed important issues for American Indian women.

Speaking at the United Nations

In 1977, Marie Sanchez became very well known. She spoke at a United Nations conference. It was called the Conference on Indians in the Americas. This meeting took place in Geneva.

She talked about keeping Native American culture alive. She also spoke about preserving their languages. She discussed the importance of tribal independence. She highlighted the rights of Indigenous women.

Marie Sanchez explained historical injustices. She mentioned how Native Americans were forced to move. This happened in the 19th century. It caused many health problems. She argued that unfair medical practices were another injustice. She fought for Native American women to have control over their own health decisions. Her work helped improve rules. These new rules aimed to reduce unfair medical procedures.

Death

Marie Elena Brady Sanchez passed away on August 9, 2019. She was 80 years old. She is survived by her eight children.