Viola Cordova facts for kids
Viola Cordova (born October 20, 1937 – died November 2, 2002) was a very smart and creative person. She was a writer, an artist, and a deep thinker (a philosopher). Viola was a member of the Jicarilla Apache tribe. She was also one of the first Native American women to earn a special advanced degree called a PhD in philosophy. This means she studied big questions about life and knowledge.
Growing Up
Viola Cordova grew up in a town called Taos, New Mexico. Her father was from the Jicarilla Apache tribe. Her mother was Hispanic.
Viola went to college and earned different degrees. She got her first degree, a bachelor's degree, from Idaho State University. Later, she earned two more advanced degrees, a master's degree and a PhD, in philosophy from the University of New Mexico.
Her Work
Viola Cordova was an important voice in philosophy. She helped start a newsletter for the American Philosophical Association in 2001. This newsletter was about American Indians in philosophy. She worked as a co-editor until she passed away.
Another writer, Nicholas Shrubsole, wrote about Viola Cordova. He said that she taught us something important. She showed that when we listen to understand others, we shouldn't try to make their ideas fit our own. We should listen to truly hear what they are saying.
Her Legacy
Viola Cordova passed away on November 2, 2002. After her death, the University of New Mexico created a special event in her honor. They started an annual lecture series named after her. This means that every year, people give talks about important ideas, remembering Viola Cordova and her work.
Her Books and Writings
Viola Cordova wrote many important papers and books. Here are some of them:
- Conceptual frameworks as a source of cultural distinctions (This was her master's thesis in 1985.)
- The concept of monism in Navajo thought (This was her PhD paper in 1992.)
- How It Is: A Native American Creation Story (1994)
- Who We Are: An Exploration of Identity (1994)
- Hearing Other Voices: A Series of Talks and Lectures (1995)
- How It Is: The Native American Philosophy of V. F. Cordova (This book was published after she passed away in 2007. It shares her ideas on Native American philosophy.)
