Mitchelene BigMan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mitchelene BigMan
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Mitchelene BigMan performing with the Native American Women Warriors (NAWW) Color Guard in 2019
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| Born | September 1, 1965 Billings, Montana |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
Army |
| Years of service | 1987-2009 |
| Rank | Sergeant First Class (E-7) |
| Awards | Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terror Service Medal |
| Other work | President, Native American Women Warriors |
| Website | www.nawwassociation.com |
Mitchelene BigMan is a brave U.S. Army veteran. She is from the Apsáalooke (Crow) and Minitari (Hidatsa) tribes. She is famous for starting the Native American Women Warriors (NAWW). This was the first ever all-female Native American Color Guard team.
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Mitchelene BigMan's Early Life
Mitchelene BigMan was born on September 1, 1965. Her birthplace was Billings, Montana. This city is located on the Montana Crow Reservation. Her parents were Ronald BigMan and Edwina Beaumont.
Growing Up and School
As a child, Mitchelene lived in different places on the reservation. She went to school mostly in Billings and Lodge Grass, Montana. She graduated from Billings Senior High School in June 1983.
After school, she worked as a dockworker. She also worked as a firefighter. On April 17, 1987, she joined the U.S. Army. She decided to join because there were not many jobs available.
Education After the Army
Mitchelene continued her education later in life. In 2011, she earned a degree in Business Management. She then got her MBA in 2013. Both degrees were from the University of Phoenix.
Mitchelene BigMan's Army Career
For most of her time in the military, Mitchelene BigMan was a diesel mechanic. She quickly became known for volunteering. She would take on difficult or dangerous tasks.
Serving in Iraq
After the September 11 terrorist attacks, she went to Iraq two times. This was during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, she survived a rocket attack. For her bravery, she earned a Combat Action Ribbon.
Retirement and Other Duties
Mitchelene retired from the Army on April 30, 2009. Her final rank was Sergeant First Class. She also served in Germany and Korea. She had four other assignments in the United States.
Advocating for Native American Women Veterans
During her time in the Army, Mitchelene faced some challenges. These challenges were because of her Native American background and her gender. She wanted to help other women veterans. She especially wanted to help those from Native American tribes.
Starting the Native American Women Warriors
Mitchelene created the Native American Women Warriors (NAWW). This group helps female veterans. It celebrates their unique identities. It also helps them continue their cultural traditions.
The NAWW's Color Guard is very special. A Color Guard is a respected tradition in the U.S. Armed Forces. They protect and present the U.S. national flag at ceremonies.
First All-Female Native Color Guard
In 2010, Mitchelene organized the first all-female Native veteran Color Guard team. This happened at the Denver March pow wow. The team was a big success. This success led to the official start of NAWW on March 12, 2010.
The NAWW's main goal is to honor women veterans. They focus on Native American women veterans. They recognize their important contributions. This includes their service in the military. It also includes their role in indigenous cultures.
National Recognition
The NAWW team quickly grew to over 50 members. They performed at events all over the United States. They were chosen to perform at two presidential inaugurations. They performed for Barack Obama in 2013. They also performed for Joe Biden in 2021.
Traditional Jingle Dresses
Mitchelene and her team wear special jingle dresses. These are traditional handmade dresses. They combine the healing and celebratory meaning of the dresses. They also add military symbols. These include ranks, patches, and awards.
The modern NAWW dress has colors like red, white, blue, and Cheyenne pink. These colors show both patriotism and Native American identity. The jingle dress Mitchelene wore for Obama's inauguration honored Lori Piestewa. Lori was the first Native American woman to die in combat.
Awards and Special Recognition
Mitchelene BigMan has received many honors. In 2012, she got the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) Meritorious Service Award. This was for her work helping others.
In 2014, the White House honored her. She was named a "Champion of Change." This was for her cultural advocacy. It was also for her work with the NAWW.
Mitchelene BigMan's Family Life
Mitchelene BigMan is married to Dwayne Cyrus. He is also an Army veteran. They have seven children together. Five of their children were adopted. Their children are Marcus Cyrus, Tia Cyrus, Christopher BigMan, Mitcheleen BigMan-Cyrus, Emilia Cyrus, David Cyrus, and Joseph Cyrus.
Mitchelene has also served on important boards. As of October 2018, she was on the Board of Trustees for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. She was also on the Advisory Committee for the Native American Veterans Memorial.
