Welcome to our 34th #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Sacagawea, a Native American Translator! Enjoy!
Everyone knows the Lewis and Clark Expedition, when Thomas Jefferson sent these two men to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. But few know about the woman behind the scenes, Sacagawea. Sacagawea was a Native American woman, born in 1788. She grew up in what is now Idaho, and she was part of the Lemhi band of the Shoshone tribe.
Sacagawea played a crucial part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition - translating. She convinced her tribe to support their journey, by providing horses and other essential items for their survival. She continued traveling with Lewis and Clark, showing them edible plants, providing clothing and helping them avoid dangerous tribes that would attack them. Additionally, she did all of this while caring for her newborn baby that she delivered just months ago.
Though it’s not exactly clear when she passed (some historians believed she died at age 24, others age 95), she left an incredible legacy behind. She was instrumental in the process of exploring the unknown western territory. Her selfless actions, including risking her and her child’s life to join the expedition, show how much of a hero she is. It is truly unfortunate that she is rarely mentioned when discussing the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We must continue to spread her story and legacy regarding American history.
This is a Woman of the Week article, a weekly deep dive into an amazing women of color. For more incredible stories like this one, check out our article on Chiaki Mukai and Sarah Winnemuca! Make sure to follow us at @likeagirlglobal on Instagram for more updates and original content!
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