Here & Now Anytime The real story of Sacagawea
Oct 13, 2025
In this discussion, journalist Christopher Cox challenges the common narratives surrounding Sacagawea, drawing on tribal oral histories and new research. He reveals her true name pronunciation and corrects misconceptions about her age and the number of her children. Cox also explores how historical records and DNA evidence dispute claims of her kidnapping and suggest she lived much longer than previously believed. He addresses the difficulties faced by the Hidatsa tribe in revising established narratives in our politically charged climate.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Written Journals Shaped The Standard Story
- The familiar story of Sacagawea comes mainly from Lewis and Clark's written journals from 1805–1806.
- Those journals shaped the standard history but omit many alternative accounts preserved by Native oral traditions.
Kidnapping Claim Anchors Traditional Account
- Lewis and Clark wrote that Sacagawea had been taken from the Shoshone and lived with the Hidatsa.
- That written claim underpins the long-taught narrative of her being kidnapped.
Her Name Emerges Only After She Gains Prominence
- Lewis and Clark initially referred to her simply as 'Charbonneau's wife' and not by name.
- Her named presence in the journals grew as she proved useful to the expedition.
