Died: 2020
Biography:
Debra White Plume (Lakota: Wioweya Najin Win) was a renowned Lakota political activist and water protector who dedicated her life to fighting for the preservation of the traditional Oglala Lakota way of life. Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation, White Plume was a proud member of the Oglala Lakota tribe. Her father, John Baptiste Reshaw, and her mother, Bernice Ione (Swallow) Stone, instilled in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage and a determination to stand up for the rights of her people.
In 1973, at a young age, Debra White Plume became one of the first individuals to join the American Indian Movement’s Wounded Knee Occupation. This historic event took place on her own reservation in southwest South Dakota and marked the start of her remarkable journey as an activist. It was during this time that she recognized the urgent need to protect her community and preserve their way of life.
In 1999, Debra White Plume founded Owe Aku (Bring Back the Way), an advocacy group dedicated to cultural preservation and the protection of Lakota treaty rights through nonviolent direct action. As the executive director of Owe Aku, she tirelessly worked to empower her people and ensure that their voices were heard. The organization also advocated for sobriety among Native Americans, emphasizing the importance of traditional teachings and having a clear mind free of manipulation.
Throughout her life, White Plume was at the forefront of various protests and movements. In 2011, she was arrested outside the White House during a demonstration against the Keystone Pipeline project. Her passion for environmental justice led her to become the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Cameco in 2015, aiming to prevent the expansion of their operations at Crow Butte. She believed in the power of peaceful resistance and organized protests against both the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipeline projects.
White Plume firmly believed that water was the domain of the women in their nation and saw it as their privilege and obligation to protect it. At Standing Rock, she famously stated, I’m Lakota, I’m a woman, and water is the domain of the women in our nation, and so it’s our privilege and our obligation to protect water. If somebody wants to label me, I guess it would be water protector.
Debra White Plume’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to her people and the environment earned her widespread respect and admiration. She inspired countless individuals with her courage, resilience, and commitment to justice. Her tireless efforts made her a prominent figure in the history of Indigenous activism and women’s history.
Unfortunately, Debra White Plume’s remarkable journey came to an end on November 10, 2020, when she passed away after battling cancer. Her legacy, however, continues to live on, inspiring future generations of activists to stand up for their rights and protect the world we share.
Awards:
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