The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians just elected four women to what had been an all-male tribal council. The Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma just installed women in their top two leadership positions for the first time in history. As with the general population, Native women lag behind men when it comes to elected political power. The non-profit RepresentWomen finds Native women have a slightly higher average representation on tribal councils than non-Native women on local municipal elected bodies. We’ll talk with some Native women about their progress in tribal and community leadership.

GUESTS

Shelly Fyant (Bitterroot Salish), Representative for Montana’s House District 91; former Chairwoman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Shennelle Feather (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), councilwoman-elect for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal council.

Shannon Swimmer (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), councilwoman-elect for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal council.

Rep. Michelle Abeyta (Diné), Representative for New Mexico’s House District 69.

Break 1 Music: Women’s Honoring Song (song) Red Hawk Medicine Drum (artist) New Beginnings (album)

Break 2 Music: Capoeirablues (song) XOCÔ (artist) XOCÔ (album)

Monday, September 15, 2025 – Native women making leadership gains