Whisper n Thunder
The Whisper of Native American stories, the Thunder of stories that demand to be told.
Leaders, Tribes & Family
Contemporary Native Women Profiles
This Month : Brenda Golden
Noted activist & internet radio personality Brenda Golden continues to be a force - sometimes controversial - in the Native community. A member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, she remains outspoken on behalf of that which she seeks justice for. Golden, at age 48, continues her education, currently pursuing a juris doctorate at Oklahoma City University. She travels in some of the most legendary circles, among them those close to political activist Leonard Peltier. She is passionate about serving the native community and using her talents in a variety of ways for the good of all indigenous peoples.
WNT: As a Native woman, you've accomplished much, from working for justice issues to your radio program. What do you see as your greatest contribution to date?
BG: I believe my greatest contributions have come in organizing events such as the counter protest to the Oklahoma Centennial Celebration and the first ever native parade in opposition to the annual 89er day parades. Organizing events to get information to the public is my greatest accomplishment.
WNT: You're outspoken, never afraid to air your opinion. Where'd your courage come from, that strength?
BG: In the Muscogee (Creek) tradition, women are often leaders and looked to for the teachings to keep the fire going from generation to generation. My mother, aunties and grandmother raised me, they were very outspoken about their views. I don't think it is courage as much as a way of life. In our family my oldest aunt, Helen, was well known for speaking her mind, everyone knew it and respected her for it. Although sometimes it was almost embarrassing, she spoke out and asked questions when others were afraid.
WNT: What outstanding memories do you have that come from this courage?
BG: I once worked for an Indian Tribe whose leadership, in my opinion, was mistreating and misleading its citizens. Finally at a council meeting where annually all members of the tribe are called together, I stood up and told them the truth about how their government was being run. The President told the BIA police officer to escort me out, I would not go, when he reached for his taser gun, the members of the tribe surrounded me and would not let him take me. It was quite a shining moment to have all of the members stand up for me when they were not standing up for themselves.
WNT: Share with our readers your thoughts about the presence of internet radio - its impact, importance?
BG: The internet radio is a free resource that is an avenue for providing true, accurate, newsworthy, information in a forum that is recorded and archived. Any time someone wants to hear what was said on a subject they may access the archives to find it. When Russell Means was my guest on Red Town Radio he made a comment about Obama that made headlines around the world. It just proves that it isn't the venue that is important as it is the message.
WNT: Where do you see hope today for First Nations people? What most troubles you?
BG: The hope for today's First Nations people is our youth. All the original leaders of the American Indian Movement and United Native Americans are growing old and retiring. We are seeing a resurgence in our youth stepping up to become active in Indigenous issues and rights.
The thing that troubles me most is the continued infighting, name calling, mud slinging, cyberstalking and hate mongering. It troubles me that people would love to tear down those natives who are trying to do good in the native communities for some reason. If they would take all the effort they use to trash others and put it toward doing good there is no limit to the amount of change that might be made.
WNT: If you could gather a group of young women together, what would your message be to them as they contemplate the future?
BG: Women are the givers of life, the holders of our future. Never sell yourself short or lower your standards for anyone. Maintain your honor and never give up.
WNT: What about young men?
BG: Young men need good role models. They need to look for those in positions deserving of respect and quit idolizing thugs, gang rappers, and those who promote violence.
WNT: On a different note, what does a glorious afternoon look like for Brenda Golden?
BG: A glorious afternoon for Brenda Golden is to be sitting outside on a warm day, with the sun shining down bright on my grandchildren as they sit on their great grandmother's lap in the heart of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
WNT: What does the future hold for you?
BG: Well in my immediate future a juris doctorate, that should be completed in the next few years. I am working full time and going to law school in the evenings. A juris doctorate combined with my MBA will provide me with even more tools to help native communities assert sovereignty, maintain their civil rights, combat erosion of treaty rights, and fight for the true history of the indigenous people to be told. On a personal note, that my relationship with a special person will remain as sweet and he will be in my life for a long long time.
WNT: Fifty years from now, what's the legacy Brenda Golden will have given the people?
BG: Women are as effective as men in leadership roles. If something needs to be done, no matter how difficult or daunting it may appear, that fear of failure is no excuse not to try.
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This Month : Brenda Golden
Noted activist & internet radio personality Brenda Golden continues to be a force - sometimes controversial - in the Native community. A member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, she remains outspoken on behalf of that which she seeks justice for. Golden, at age 48, continues her education, currently pursuing a juris doctorate at Oklahoma City University. She travels in some of the most legendary circles, among them those close to political activist Leonard Peltier. She is passionate about serving the native community and using her talents in a variety of ways for the good of all indigenous peoples.
WNT: As a Native woman, you've accomplished much, from working for justice issues to your radio program. What do you see as your greatest contribution to date?
BG: I believe my greatest contributions have come in organizing events such as the counter protest to the Oklahoma Centennial Celebration and the first ever native parade in opposition to the annual 89er day parades. Organizing events to get information to the public is my greatest accomplishment.
WNT: You're outspoken, never afraid to air your opinion. Where'd your courage come from, that strength?
BG: In the Muscogee (Creek) tradition, women are often leaders and looked to for the teachings to keep the fire going from generation to generation. My mother, aunties and grandmother raised me, they were very outspoken about their views. I don't think it is courage as much as a way of life. In our family my oldest aunt, Helen, was well known for speaking her mind, everyone knew it and respected her for it. Although sometimes it was almost embarrassing, she spoke out and asked questions when others were afraid.
WNT: What outstanding memories do you have that come from this courage?
BG: I once worked for an Indian Tribe whose leadership, in my opinion, was mistreating and misleading its citizens. Finally at a council meeting where annually all members of the tribe are called together, I stood up and told them the truth about how their government was being run. The President told the BIA police officer to escort me out, I would not go, when he reached for his taser gun, the members of the tribe surrounded me and would not let him take me. It was quite a shining moment to have all of the members stand up for me when they were not standing up for themselves.
WNT: Share with our readers your thoughts about the presence of internet radio - its impact, importance?
BG: The internet radio is a free resource that is an avenue for providing true, accurate, newsworthy, information in a forum that is recorded and archived. Any time someone wants to hear what was said on a subject they may access the archives to find it. When Russell Means was my guest on Red Town Radio he made a comment about Obama that made headlines around the world. It just proves that it isn't the venue that is important as it is the message.
WNT: Where do you see hope today for First Nations people? What most troubles you?
BG: The hope for today's First Nations people is our youth. All the original leaders of the American Indian Movement and United Native Americans are growing old and retiring. We are seeing a resurgence in our youth stepping up to become active in Indigenous issues and rights.
The thing that troubles me most is the continued infighting, name calling, mud slinging, cyberstalking and hate mongering. It troubles me that people would love to tear down those natives who are trying to do good in the native communities for some reason. If they would take all the effort they use to trash others and put it toward doing good there is no limit to the amount of change that might be made.
WNT: If you could gather a group of young women together, what would your message be to them as they contemplate the future?
BG: Women are the givers of life, the holders of our future. Never sell yourself short or lower your standards for anyone. Maintain your honor and never give up.
WNT: What about young men?
BG: Young men need good role models. They need to look for those in positions deserving of respect and quit idolizing thugs, gang rappers, and those who promote violence.
WNT: On a different note, what does a glorious afternoon look like for Brenda Golden?
BG: A glorious afternoon for Brenda Golden is to be sitting outside on a warm day, with the sun shining down bright on my grandchildren as they sit on their great grandmother's lap in the heart of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
WNT: What does the future hold for you?
BG: Well in my immediate future a juris doctorate, that should be completed in the next few years. I am working full time and going to law school in the evenings. A juris doctorate combined with my MBA will provide me with even more tools to help native communities assert sovereignty, maintain their civil rights, combat erosion of treaty rights, and fight for the true history of the indigenous people to be told. On a personal note, that my relationship with a special person will remain as sweet and he will be in my life for a long long time.
WNT: Fifty years from now, what's the legacy Brenda Golden will have given the people?
BG: Women are as effective as men in leadership roles. If something needs to be done, no matter how difficult or daunting it may appear, that fear of failure is no excuse not to try.
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Historical Profile
LOZEN
Narrative & Graphic by Thunderhands
LOZEN
Narrative & Graphic by Thunderhands
Born into the Chihenne band during the late 1840s, Lozen was a
skilled warrior and a prophet.
According to legends, she was able to useher powers (Diya) and (Inda-ce-ho-ndi = "Enemies-Against-Power") in battle to learn the movements of the enemy.
Victorio is quoted to have said that "Lozen is my right hand...
strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy. Lozen is a
shield to her people."
skilled warrior and a prophet.
According to legends, she was able to useher powers (Diya) and (Inda-ce-ho-ndi = "Enemies-Against-Power") in battle to learn the movements of the enemy.
Victorio is quoted to have said that "Lozen is my right hand...
strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy. Lozen is a
shield to her people."
