Honoring Ada Deer (August 7, 1935 – August 15, 2023)
Her Advocacy and Leadership on Behalf of Indian Tribes
In the 1950s, the federal government initiated a termination policy that led to the creation of a corporate body to manage the Menominee tribe. Deer helped to organize a grassroots organization to restore federal recognition of the tribe, known as Determination of Right and Unity for Menominee Shareholders, or DRUMS.
“Mainly I want to show people who say nothing can be done in this society that it just isn’t so,” Deer told The Washington Post in 1973. “You don’t have to collapse just because there’s federal law in your way. Change it!”
On Dec. 22, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the law restoring official federal recognition to the Menominee tribe. Deer became the first woman to chair the tribe in Wisconsin, a position she held from 1974 to 1976.1
“Ada Deer, my fierce Warrior Woman. You taught us that no matter who you are, it takes guts to chase after a dream, stand up against injustice, or stick to your convictions—especially in the face of adversity or different beliefs. Women, especially, deserve to be celebrated for their tenacity as they've advocated for themselves or become their own champions during difficult times. That's why we're here to applaud, share and celebrate our sisterhood. So much of who I am is because of who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be. Love you.” — Shannon Holsey
“With my friend Ada Deer in Anchorage in one of our conversations on restoring our Sovereignty like they did at Menominee with their recovery. She issued the Federal Recognition list of our Alaska Tribes as Assistant Secretary of the Interior. We had long conversations on the opportunities of Alaska Tribes. We still do. Tribal Sovereignty is non-negotiable EVER! Rest in Peace my friend forever!”—Mike Williams
