Ada Elizabeth Deer
Ada Elizabeth Deer is a prominent figure in Native American advocacy and social work, particularly recognized for her contributions to the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. Born in Keshena, Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1957 and later obtained a master's in social work from Columbia University in 1961. Deer's career began with a focus on social work and academia, where she lectured on social work and Native American studies.
Her political involvement surged in the 1970s, where she became a significant lobbyist for the Menominee Tribe, advocating for their rights and recognition. She played a crucial role as the chair of the Menominee Restoration Committee, leading efforts to restore the tribe's federal recognition after it had been terminated in 1954. In addition to her grassroots activism, Deer was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior and head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where she continued to influence Native American policy. Her legacy is marked by her dedication to improving the lives of Native communities and her impactful leadership in tribal affairs.
Ada Elizabeth Deer
- Born: August 7, 1935
- Birthplace: Keshena, Wisconsin
Category: Educator, activist, BIA commissioner
Tribal affiliation: Menominee
Significance: Ada Deer was appointed BIA commissioner by President Clinton in 1993
Born in Keshena, Wisconsin, Ada Deer earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1957 and a master’s in social work at Columbia University in 1961. Her first interest after graduation was social work, including lecturing in the fields of social work and Native American studies at the University of Wisconsin’s Madison campus.
Deer also became involved in political action and organizing, working as a lobbyist for the Menominees in Washington in the early 1970’s. She chaired the Menominee Restoration Committee between 1973 and 1976; that group was primarily responsible for the restoring of federally recognized tribal status to the Menominees (the tribe had been “terminated” in 1954). During the late 1970’s, she was a member of the American Indian Policy Review Commission. President Bill Clinton appointed her commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1993.