Women of All Red Nations
Women of All Red Nations (WARN) is a grassroots organization established in South Dakota in 1978, dedicated to advocating for the rights and autonomy of Native Americans across various tribal affiliations, with a particular focus on issues affecting women. The organization addresses critical matters such as women's health, notably concerning the misuse of sterilization practices among Native American women, and broader topics like children's foster care, adoption, and juvenile justice. WARN also highlights the inequities stemming from energy resource development on Native-owned lands, emphasizing the need for community education and self-reliance. Additionally, WARN encourages Native American women to pursue leadership roles within governmental and community structures. Through publications and an annual conference, the organization aims to raise awareness and foster discussion surrounding the health and rights of Native American women. Overall, WARN plays a vital role in promoting advocacy, education, and empowerment among Native communities.
Women of All Red Nations
The South Dakota organization Women of All Red Nations (WARN) was formed in 1978 for the purpose of achieving autonomy for Native Americans, whatever their tribal affiliation.
Many issues of importance to Native Americans fall within the focus of WARN activities. Health care, in particular women’s health matters and the misuse of sterilization practices on Indian women, is the group’s main concern. Other problems that WARN addresses include children’s foster care, adoption, political imprisonment, and juvenile justice. Inequities resulting from abuses of energy-resources development on Indian-owned land is another concern.
Since WARN is a grassroots organization, its efforts also include community education. Its focus is on self-reliance, whether it be for the individual or the local group affiliation. WARN also encourages Native American women to seek positions of leadership, both in and out of governments. WARN issues publications regarding health problems of Native American women and conducts an annual conference.
Bibliography
Ewen, Alexander, and Jeffrey Wollock. Encyclopedia of the American Indian in the Twentieth Century. New York: Facts On File, 2008. Print.
Fitzgerald, Kathleen. "Race Relations in Flux: Post–World War II Activism." Recognizing Race and Ethnicity: Power, Privilege, and Inequality. Boulder: Westview, 2014. 175–214. Print.
Rosier, Paul C. "Women of All Red Nations (WARN)." Encyclopedia of Women and American Politics. Ed. Lynne E. Ford. New York: Facts On File, 2014. Print.
Thunder Hawk, Madonna. "Women of All Red Nations." Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. U of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2011. Web. 15 May 2015.
"Women of All Red Nations." American Indian Heritage Month: Commemoration vs. Exploitation. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 15 May 2015.