Introduction

The previous issue of THE WIND RIVER RENDEZVOUS,

Vol. XXV Issue 2, offered a glimpse into the romantic

lifestyle of the Plains warrior. According to the

accounts recorded by European explorers and

missionaries, the role of the Native American man

was largely defined by hunting and warfare, especially in the warrior-centered societies of the Plains. Men were the hunters, which required them to locate and harvest the game and to keep their equipment in good condition for the hunt. Their major responsibility was to defend their families from the danger of attack by rival tribes. 

The early Native American woman, however, was observed by Europeans to live a less glamorous life. Most early Europeans failed to perceive the social influence of the Indian woman. These observers, mostly male, concentrated on the male role in Native American society and portrayed women as downtrodden, submissive and burden-laden. It is fair to state that these observers probably gathered their information on Indian women through distortion of their own distinctively different culture. 

Although customs affecting the lives of early Native American women varied greatly from tribe to tribe, the vast majority of women occupied positions of respect in their communities. Native American women often had a great deal of power and authority over their lives. But even in tribes in which women had power and prestige, certain tasks could only be filled by men. 

Early Indian women were revered by their communities as the mothers of the people. They were responsible for raising the children, feeding, clothing and sheltering their families. They also earned positions in other areas such as participants in religious rituals and as medicine women. Generally, they enjoyed a great deal more independence and security than the white women of that era. 

Even in today's world of technology, there remains a great deal of misconception regarding the activities and responsibilities of early Native American women. In those earlier days, life evolved around basic survival and men and women worked in partnership for their livelihood. 

In this issue of THE RENDEZVOUS, we feature the early Plains Indian woman and the contribution she made to the continuation of her race. Permission to reproduce the featured painting by the late John F. Clymer was granted by his wife as a memorial to her husband. Three of our contributing western artists have also graciously allowed us to reproduce their artwork to help portray the story of the Indian women. We express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. John F. Clymer and the other featured artists: Vel Miller; Frank C McCarthy; Howard Terpning.

Women 

With all her rich cultural antiquity, diversity and heritage, India has also been a country that has suppressed her women. It is ironic to say the least, because Indians have always worshipped their country as a “janani” or mother. On the one hand they worship this mother, and on the other they disregard their sisters, daughters, mothers, and wives.  Articles on these pages discuss issues concerning women. 

General Issues

Just like there is Valentine's Day, Children's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day, there is also a day dedicated to women called Women's Day. (Should there also be a Man's Day? If you answer 'yes' to that, then are you considered a feminist!)

International Women's Day

Women's Rights

The Dowry System

Feminism

What exactly does feminism mean? And WHO really are considered feminists? Are you one if you want to split the dinner bill on a date, or if you make your husband also share the household workload?

Fighting Back you are unarmed

Prevent Yourself being attacked

Womens rights

Women’s rights around the world are an important indicator of understanding global well-being. Many may think that women’s rights are only an issue in countries where religion is law, such as many Muslim countries. Or even worse, some may think this is no longer an issue at all. But reading this report about the and how an increasing number of countries are lodging reservations, will show otherwise.