Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Zitkála-Šá
The United States Mint and the National Women’s History Museum, in partnership with Better Days and the Utah Historical Society, are delighted to host a special evening in celebration of Zitkála-Šá and the new quarter released in her honor.
Zitkála-Šá (“Red Bird”), also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American musician, writer and activist who fought for women's suffrage and Indigenous voting rights in the early 20th century. Her writings and activism led to citizenship and voting rights for not only women, but all Indigenous people.
The American Women Quarters™ Program is the first circulating coin program dedicated to honoring women whose achievements, triumphs and legacies reflect the strength, perseverance, and resiliency of our nation.
Watch Event Video
Program
Opening:
- Rebekah Clark, Historical Director, Better Days
Land Acknowledgment:
- Rozanna Benally-Sagg, Utah Division of Indian Affairs
Welcome Remarks:
- Kassie John (Diné), Miss Indian World
- Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO, National Women’s History Museum
Performance: "Forsaken" from The Sun Dance Opera
- Performed by Sanae Fujii, Opera soloist and student, Brigham Young University School of Music, accompanied on piano by Tim McKay
Keynote Address:
- The Honorable Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Treasurer of the United States
Short Film:
- Unladylike: Zitkála-Šá
Panel Discussion:
Moderated by Katherine Kitterman, Ph.D., Public Historian, Utah Historical Society and Executive Director of Better Days
- Dr. P. Jane Hafen, Professor Emerita, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Jennifer Herrera, Vice President of External Affairs, NWHM
- Mark Bonnin, Great-Great Grandson of Zitkála-Šá
Reading: Zitkala-Sa’s "American Indian Stories”
- Matthew Bonnin, Great-Great Grandson of Zitkála-Šá
Coin Pour:
- Chris Abston, Great-Great Grandson of Zitkála-Šá
- Frédérique Irwin
- The Honorable Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba
- Katherine Kitterman, Ph.D.
Closing:
- Rebekah Clark