Born: 1940 (Yankton Sioux Reservation)
Biography:
Madonna Thunder Hawk, born Madonna Gilbert, is a Native American civil rights activist who has made significant contributions to the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She is also renowned as a co-founder of the American Indian organization Women of All Red Nations and serves as an organizer and tribal liaison for the Lakota People’s Law Project.
Born in 1940 on the Yankton Sioux Reservation, Thunder Hawk comes from the Oohenumpa band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Raised in a culturally restrictive environment, she was exposed to the boarding school system of the 1920s and 1930s, as her mother had been. Throughout her youth, Thunder Hawk followed in her mother’s footsteps and attended several boarding schools. Despite the challenging circumstances, she persevered and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in human services.
Thunder Hawk’s activism began as an early advocate for the Red Power Movement. She actively participated in the 1969-1971 Occupation of Alcatraz, aiming to persuade the federal government to end its policy of termination and embrace Indian self-determination. In subsequent years, Thunder Hawk played key roles in two occupations of Mount Rushmore, seeking to raise awareness of the U.S. government’s continued violations of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.
Joining the American Indian Movement in its formative years, Thunder Hawk was present during AIM’s occupation of the Wounded Knee. As a member of the Pie Patrol, a group of dedicated AIM women activists, she worked alongside notable figures such as Thelma Rios, Theda Nelson Clarke, Lorelei DeCora Means, and Mary Crow Dog. The Pie Patrol played a crucial role in supporting AIM’s mission and advocating for the rights of Native Americans.
One significant event in Thunder Hawk’s activism career was her involvement in the Wounded Knee Incident. During this occupation, she and the Pie Patrol bravely stood their ground, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause. However, tensions within the group arose, particularly towards Anna Mae Pictou Aquash, a Mi’kmaq woman from Nova Scotia who had an affair with Dennis Banks, AIM’s founder. Some members of the Pie Patrol, like Mary Crow Dog, criticized the group for seeking media attention and taking credit for behind-the-scenes efforts.
Throughout her life, Madonna Thunder Hawk continues to be an indomitable force for Native American rights. She has dedicated herself to advocating for justice, self-determination, and cultural preservation for indigenous communities. Her activism has left an enduring impact on the American Indian Movement and women’s role within it. Madonna Thunder Hawk’s work stands as a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination to create a better future for Native Americans.