Lakota Woman Book Summary - Lakota Woman Book explained in key points

Lakota Woman summary

Mary Crow Dog

Brief summary

Lakota Woman is a memoir by Mary Crow Dog that vividly recounts her experiences growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1960s and her involvement in the American Indian Movement. It offers an intimate look into the struggles and resilience of the Lakota people.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Lakota Woman
    Summary of key ideas

    Trials of a Young Sioux Woman

    In Lakota Woman, Mary Crow Dog takes us on a haunting journey through her tumultuous early life. Born as Mary Brave Bird, she endured a turbulent childhood marked by poverty, alcoholism, and ineffective schooling on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation. Crow Dog elucidates how these experiences cultivated a deep-seated resentment towards the white powers, particularly the Bureau of Indian Affairs, that controlled and often undermined her people's lives.

    As we progress further into her recollections, we witness her rebellious teenage years, where she starts to bear the initials of the American Indian Movement (AIM) – a group committed to reclaiming the rights of the Native Americans. Here, Mary begins to let go of her Christian name and slowly adopts the name Crow Dog. This transition signifies her taking an active stance in her tribe's struggle against oppression.

    Standing up to Injustice

    The middle section of Lakota Woman is marked by Crow Dog's involvement in the significant events orchestrated by AIM, including protesting and boycotting businesses unfair to Indians and reclaiming the Mount Rushmore monument. What stands out is the gripping account of the siege at Wounded Knee in 1973, where she daringly provides first-hand insight into the 73-day stand-off against federal forces. Amidst this intense confrontation, she marries fellow activist Leonard Crow Dog and gives birth under gunfire, reinforcing her iron spirit as a mother and an activist.

    Apart from significant political stances, Mary explores her path to sobriety, following her husband Leonard’s footsteps. She details the peyote ceremonies and the spiritual awakening she experiences through these Native American Church rituals illuminating an aspect of the native culture seldom seen by the outside world.

    Overcoming Personal Traumas

    Continuing her trajectory, in the later portions of Lakota Woman, Crow Dog narrates tales of personal trauma. After her husband's imprisonment, she tackles single motherhood with enduring strength, even as she combats poverty. Despite personal and political setbacks, her commitment to the native cause remains undiminished.

    While she faces the trials of being a woman in a traditionally patriarchal society, confronting domestic abuse, prejudice, and grinding poverty, she also attests to the strength and resilience of the native women. By sharing these deeply personal experiences, she helps us acknowledge the silent struggles faced by countless other women in similar situations.

    Legacy of the Lakota Spirit

    In the concluding sections, Mary reflects on the overall character of her people, the Lakota. Despite suffering historical trauma, enduring dispossession, and struggling with modern issues like alcoholism and rampant unemployment, she asserts that the Lakota spirit refuses to succumb. The ceremonial rituals, songs, and tales, she argues, keep the tribal identity intact and help them survive one passing generation to the next.

    In conclusion, Lakota Woman offers an impassioned memoir from a woman who not only survived manifold adversities but also stood up to fight for her people's rights. Through Mary Crow Dog's determined spirit and unabashed voice, we gain a deep understanding of the heartache, struggle, and indomitable spirit of the Lakota tribe.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Lakota Woman about?

    Lakota Woman is a memoir by Mary Crow Dog that tells the story of her life as a Native American woman growing up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It offers a firsthand account of the struggles and resilience of the Lakota people, as well as Crow Dog's own journey towards self-discovery and activism. The book provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Native Americans in the United States.

    Lakota Woman Review

    Lakota Woman (1990) is a powerful memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the life of a Native American woman and her journey towards empowerment. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It presents a raw and honest account of the author's experiences, shedding light on the struggles faced by the Native American community.
    • The book explores cultural identity, spirituality, and activism, making it an enlightening read for those interested in social justice issues.
    • Through vivid storytelling, Mary Crow Dog shares her personal transformation and inspires readers to challenge societal norms and fight for justice.

    Who should read Lakota Woman?

    • Readers interested in Native American history and culture
    • Individuals seeking personal stories of resilience and empowerment
    • Those looking to gain insight into issues of social justice and activism

    About the Author

    Mary Crow Dog was a Native American activist and author. She was born on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and was a member of the Lakota tribe. Crow Dog played a significant role in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and participated in the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. Her book, "Lakota Woman," is a powerful memoir that provides a firsthand account of her experiences as a Native American woman and her struggles for justice and equality. Crow Dog's work has made a lasting impact on the representation of Indigenous voices in literature.

    Categories with Lakota Woman

    Book summaries like Lakota Woman

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Lakota Woman FAQs 

    What is the main message of Lakota Woman?

    The main message of Lakota Woman is the resilience and strength of the Lakota people and the fight for Native American rights.

    How long does it take to read Lakota Woman?

    The reading time for Lakota Woman varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Lakota Woman a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Lakota Woman is an insightful and eye-opening book that sheds light on Native American experiences. It's definitely worth reading for its powerful storytelling and important message.

    Who is the author of Lakota Woman?

    Lakota Woman is written by Mary Crow Dog.

    What to read after Lakota Woman?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Lakota Woman, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Emergency by Neil Strauss
    • The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
    • Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
    • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
    • The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
    • Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
    • The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
    • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
    • Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
    • Do No Harm by Henry Marsh