Tonya Gonnella Frichner facts for kids

Tonya Gonnella Frichner (born September 19, 1947 – died February 14, 2015) was a special American lawyer and activist. She was known for her important work helping Indigenous (Native) peoples around the world. A big part of her work was helping create the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This document helps protect the rights of Native communities worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Tonya Gonnella Frichner was born in Syracuse, New York. This happened on September 19, 1947. Her father, Henry, worked in construction. Her mother, Maxine, was on the local school board. Maxine was a member of the Onondaga Nation. She worked to include Native American history and culture in school lessons.

Both Tonya and her mother were citizens of the Onondaga Nation. They belonged to the Snipe Clan. Tonya's uncle was even an Onondaga chief.

School and College Years

Tonya finished high school at St. John's Catholic Academy in Syracuse. She then went to St. John's University in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree there in 1980. She graduated with high honors.

Later, she studied law at the City University of New York School of Law. She earned her law degree in 1987.

Working for Indigenous Rights

After law school, Tonya quickly started working to help Indigenous peoples. She became a representative and lawyer for the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. This was at a special meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was about human rights for Indigenous groups.

Starting in 1987, she joined the board of the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Project. This group supports the national lacrosse team of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She also served on other important boards. These included the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development.

Founding the American Indian Law Alliance

In 1989, Tonya Frichner started her own group. It was called the American Indian Law Alliance. This group helps Indigenous peoples in New York City and beyond. The Alliance works with the United Nations.

Tonya also served as the North American representative. This was for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She held this role for three years, from 2008 to 2010. She played a key role in creating and passing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration is a very important document. It helps protect the rights of Indigenous peoples all over the world.

Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

At the same time, Tonya taught at several colleges. She taught about Federal Indian Law and Human Rights Law. She also taught Native American History. She shared her knowledge at places like City College and New York University.

Awards and Special Honors

Tonya Frichner received many awards for her hard work. These awards recognized her dedication to human rights. Some of them include:

• The Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award
• Female Role Model of the Year from the Ms. Foundation for Women
• The Thunderbird Indian of the Year Award
• The Ellis Island Medal of Honor

She also received an honorary degree from Colby College in 2012. Tonya Gonnella Frichner passed away on February 14, 2015. Her work continues to inspire many people.