Theda Nelson Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theda Nelson Clarke
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|---|---|
| Born |
Theda Rose Nelson
1924 |
| Died | October 8, 2011 (aged 87) |
| Resting place | Crawford Cemetery |
| Nationality | American Indian |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Years active | 1973–2011 |
| Organization | American Indian Movement PIE Patrol |
| Known for | Participant in the murder of AIM Activist Anna Mae Aquash |
| Spouse(s) | Edward Lamar Clarke (ex-husband) Julian Pokrywka (ex-husband) |
| Children | Edward "Chip" Samuel Clarke (son) Ida Rose Clarke (daughter) Michael Patrick Clarke (son) |
| Relatives | Russell Means (biological nephew) Troy Lynn Yellow Wood-Williams (biological niece) |
Theda Nelson Clarke, born Theda Rose Nelson (1924-2011), was a Native American activist. She was known for her involvement with the American Indian Movement (AIM). Clarke also participated in the Wounded Knee incident. She was connected to events involving fellow AIM activist Anna Mae Aquash.
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Theda Nelson Clarke's Early Life
Theda Rose Nelson was born in 1924. Records show she was born in the state of South Dakota.
Clarke lived in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She was the leader of a large family, called a tiyospaye. Many people in her community called her 'aunt' or 'auntie'. This included Troy Lynn Yellow Wood and John Graham.
Theda Nelson Clarke was an aunt to Darlene Nichols. Nichols grew up with Clarke. Darlene Nichols was an important witness in trials related to Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash.
In the early 1940s, Clarke finished school. She graduated from the St. Francis Indian School. This school is located in St. Francis, South Dakota.
Theda Nelson Clarke's Family Life
Theda Rose Nelson married Edward Lamar Clarke. They had three children together. Their children were Edward "Chip" Samuel Clarke, Ida Rose Clarke, and Patrick Michael Clarke.
Edward "Chip" Samuel Clarke was born on September 23, 1962. Ida Rose Clarke was born on December 22, 1963. Patrick Michael Clarke was born on September 6, 1965. Theda and Edward later divorced.
Clarke also married Julian Pokrywka. It is not clear if they were still married when they passed away.
Theda Nelson Clarke's Activism
Theda Nelson Clarke was a member of the Pie Patrol. This was a group of women active in the American Indian Movement (AIM). Other members included Madonna Gilbert and Lorelei DeCora. Thelma Rios-Conroy and other women from AIM were also part of this group.
Mary Crow Dog was also present during the Wounded Knee events. She was the wife of civil rights activist Leonard Crow Dog. Mary Crow Dog described the Pie Patrol as "loud-mouth city women." She said they liked media attention and took credit for what other AIM women did.
Theda Nelson Clarke's Later Years
Clarke passed away on October 8, 2011. She was 87 years old. She died in a nursing home in Crawford, Nebraska.
Her ex-husband, Edward Lamar Clarke, passed away before her. Two of her children, Edward Lamar Clarke and Ida Rose Clarke, also passed away before her. Her only child who was still living at the time of her death was Edward "Chip" Samuel Clarke.
