Wilma Victor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilma Victor
|
|
|---|---|
| Special assistant to Secretary of the Interior | |
| In office 1971–1975 |
|
| President | Richard Nixon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Wilma Louise Victor
November 5, 1919 Idabel, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | November 15, 1987 (aged 68) Idabel, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nationality | United States Choctaw Nation |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Kansas Milwaukee State Teachers College (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | Women's Army Corps |
Wilma Louise Victor (born November 5, 1919 – died November 15, 1987) was an important Choctaw educator and government official. She was known for her work in Native American education and for being a high-ranking Native American woman in the U.S. government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wilma Victor was born in Idabel, Oklahoma, on November 5, 1919. A friend helped her get a scholarship to attend the University of Kansas.
Later, Willard Beatty, who directed education at the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), encouraged her to become a teacher. He helped her get another scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to study at the Milwaukee State Teachers College. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.
Career in Education
Wilma Victor began her teaching career at the Shiprock Boarding School in Shiprock, New Mexico. She started as an apprentice teacher, learning on the job.
After serving in the military, she taught at Idabel High School for two years. Then, she got a teaching job at the Intermountain Indian School. This was a boarding school for Native American students in Brigham City, Utah.
Leading Native American Art Education
Victor taught at Intermountain Indian School for 13 years. She also helped start the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). In 1962, she became the Principal of the IAIA.
She played a key role in creating the school's curriculum. This curriculum focused on teaching and celebrating Native art traditions. Her work helped students connect with their cultural heritage through art. In 1964, she was promoted to superintendent of Intermountain Indian School.
She worked at the Intermountain Indian School from 1940 to 1960 and again from 1964 to 1970. From 1961 to 1964, she was the principal of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Military Service
In 1943, Wilma Victor joined the U.S. Army. She served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. She was a first lieutenant and served until 1946.
Awards and Recognition
Wilma Victor received many honors for her work. In 1967, she was one of six women to receive a Federal Woman's Award. This award recognized her amazing skills in leading a special school program for Native American youth.
She was also a member of several important groups. These included the Council for Exceptional Children and the Governor of Utah's Commission on Indian Affairs. In 1970, she received the Indian Achievement Award. The State of Utah also named her one of "seven women of the 70s." She was a main speaker at the first National Indian Workshop for Indian Affairs.
Government Service
In 1971, Wilma Victor was chosen for a very important role. She became a special assistant to Rogers Morton, who was the Secretary of the Interior. At that time, she was the highest-ranking Native American woman in the U.S. government. She gave advice to the Secretary on matters related to Native American communities.
Later Life
Wilma Victor passed away on November 15, 1987, in Idabel, Oklahoma.
