Vera Brown Starr facts for kids

Vera Brown Starr (born May 23, 1924 – died March 4, 1985) was a very important leader for the Yavapai–Apache Nation. She was the first woman ever chosen to be the leader, or "chair," of her tribe. She served in this top role for two years. Before that, she was a member of the tribal council for over 15 years, helping make decisions for her community.

Vera Starr also took part in the 1977 National Women's Conference. This was a big meeting in the United States about women's rights. It was held as part of the United Nations' International Women's Year. In 2012, her name was honored at the University of Arizona. It was placed on an arch that celebrates Native American women leaders.

Vera Starr's Early Life and Family

Vera Brown was born on May 23, 1924. Her family lived on the Indian Reservation near Camp Verde, Arizona. Her parents, Mary and Sam Brown, were members of the Mojave-Apache people. Vera was the youngest of their three children.

Her father worked as a miner in places like the United Verde Mine. He also worked at smelters, which are factories that melt metal. When Vera was very young, her family lived in a wickiup near Clarkdale.

School Days and Challenges

Vera went to public school in Clarkdale. Back then, schools were often "segregated." This meant white students went in the mornings, and Hispanic and Native American students went in the afternoons. Even though Vera was put in the morning class, she faced unfair treatment. She also did not speak English when she first started school.

When Vera was eleven, her father passed away in 1935. He died from a lung disease called silicosis. This disease is caused by breathing in dust from mines without protection. After his death, Vera was sent to the Valentine Indian School. This was part of a program where many Native American children went to boarding schools. She later graduated from Indian High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Vera earned a scholarship to go to the University of New Mexico. However, she decided to return home to Clarkdale. She needed to take care of her mother. Her father's pension, which was money paid after his death, had stopped. Her mother also could not get social security benefits.

Starting a Family

After World War II, Vera married Antonio L. Moreno. He was a veteran and also worked as a miner. They first lived in Jerome, where their two children, Anthony Jr. and Petra, were born. In 1949, they moved to Ajo. There, Antonio worked at a large metal factory called the Phelps-Dodge smelter.

Vera Starr's Leadership in the Tribe

In 1967, Vera Moreno decided to run for a seat on the tribal council. This was a big step, even though her mother had advised against it. After her husband Antonio passed away in 1968, Vera married Henry Starr.

She won her election and joined the council in 1969. She served there for six years. Then, in 1975, she made history. She became the first woman to be the Tribal Chair of the Yavapai–Apache Nation.

A Leader for Women's Rights

After serving two years as Tribal Chair, Vera Starr ran for re-election in 1977. This election was difficult, with disagreements and even a court case. She did not win the re-election for Chair.

Vera Starr was also part of the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA). This group worked to help Native Americans from different tribes. In 1977, she attended the 1977 National Women's Conference. This important meeting was held with the United Nations' International Women's Year.

Vera was one of four Native American delegates from Arizona. She was very interested in the conference's goals. These included stopping unfair treatment of minority groups. They also discussed how Native American children were sometimes taken from their homes. Another important topic was Arizona's failure to provide health care for low-income families through Medicaid.

Continuing to Serve Her Community

Even though she didn't win re-election as Chair, Vera Starr kept working for her tribe. She was elected back onto the council in 1978. In 1981, she became the tribe's treasurer. She held that job until 1982, when she was elected as the tribe's vice chair. She served as vice chair again in 1983.

During her time on the council, Vera focused on improving life for her tribe members. She worked hard for better housing and health care. She also fought to protect the tribe's water rights.

Vera Starr's Legacy

Vera Starr passed away on March 4, 1985, in Cottonwood, Arizona. She died at the Marcus J. Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

After her death, Vera Starr was honored in a special way. In 2011, her name was placed on the Native American Women of Arizona Arch. This arch is on the campus of the University of Arizona. The Yavapai-Apache Nation chose her to represent their tribe on this important monument.