Zitkala-Ša: Advocate for the Rights of Native People

Zitkala-sa, born Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American activist, author, and educator who resisted the forced assimilation of Native Americans into Anglo-American culture. She experienced the harsh realities of government-funded boarding schools, which aimed to erase Native cultures. Despite the trauma, she pursued education and later became a teacher. Realizing her role in a system that harmed her people, she shifted to teaching on a reservation and used her writing to promote Sioux culture. Zitkala-sa became an influential activist, shaping policies that recognized Native American rights and citizenship.

Describe the impact of Zitkala-sa's writing on Sioux culture.

What was the significance of Zitkala-sa's pen name, and how did it relate to her work?