Abstract:
Combining a critical dive into the archives of Indigenous history, a survey of Indigenous
historiography, and recorded interviews with Pueblo women-led organizations Tewa Women
United and Three Sisters Collective, this research focuses on how contemporary Pueblo
Indigenous women use Indigenous models of history to confront ongoing forms of colonial
violence. The programming and activist efforts of both organizations are highlighted for their
ability to confront historical issues of sexual and physical violence, family disruption and
trauma, and forced sterilization. The connections made between Indigenous history and the
narratives of TWU and 3SC reveal successful models for how Indigenous history can be used to
understand and confront contemporary violences with the intention of creating a thriving
Indigenous future. Most importantly, by centering the narratives of Pueblo women, this research
argues that in order for decolonizing efforts to be successful they must not only be done at the
community level, but also actively prioritize and be led by Native women.
