Ada Deer: Native American Advocate | Makers Of XYZ Biography - Makers Of Change Hero (Updated 2025-06-15)

Makers Of Change / Indigenous Americans V.02

Trailblazer for Change

In the serene woods of Wisconsin, among the Menominee Nation, Ada Deer grew up with a spirit as resilient as the mighty rivers. Born into a world where opportunities for her community were limited, Ada's fierce determination and heart for service set her on a path to leadership and advocacy.

The Journey of Education

Ada understood early on that knowledge was a powerful tool for change. She pursued higher education with vigor, becoming the first member of her tribe to earn an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic achievements were only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to education and empowerment.

*First Woman Leader of Indian Affairs: Ada E. Deer. Photo by Tami Heilemann, Department of the Interior.*

A Voice for Her People

With wisdom and grace, Ada became an advocate for Native American rights, championing causes that ranged from defending tribal sovereignty to fighting poverty. Her passion led her to various roles in public service, where she could directly influence policies affecting Indigenous communities.

Leadership at the Bureau

Ada's journey reached a historic milestone when she was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior—head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs—the first Native American woman to hold this vital position. In this role, she worked tirelessly to improve government relations with Native tribes and enhance living conditions on reservations.

A Legacy Unforgotten

Ada Deer's unwavering commitment to her people has left an indelible mark on history. Her work continues to inspire new generations to pursue justice and equality for all Native Americans.

Makers Of Moments

Tiny Loves

Heart Hugs: Teach your little ones about kindness and helping others by sharing stories of community leaders like Ada Deer.

Nature's Helpers: Engage your children in simple activities like planting a tree or tending a garden, emphasizing the importance of caring for our environment and communities.

Making Leaders

Community Collage: Create a collage with your children featuring images and words that represent leadership and advocacy, honoring Ada Deer's legacy.

Role Model Moments: Discuss with your kids what it means to be a leader in their own lives—whether it’s helping a friend or standing up for what’s right.

Cultural Appreciation Craft: Together with your children, explore Menominee culture through crafts or storytelling, celebrating Ada Deer’s heritage and the diversity within Native American communities.

Exclusive Offers & News


xyz-embed:
<div id='collection-component-1717017319416'></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<![CDATA[*/
(function () {
  var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js';
  if (window.ShopifyBuy) {
    if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) {
      ShopifyBuyInit();
    } else {
      loadScript();
    }
  } else {
    loadScript();
  }
  function loadScript() {
    var script = document.createElement('script');
    script.async = true;
    script.src = scriptURL;
    (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script);
    script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit;
  }
  function ShopifyBuyInit() {
    var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({
      domain: 'f13c97-2.myshopify.com',
      storefrontAccessToken: 'a46c1acfc0601c9ccb3a12c0d54963ce',
    });
    ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) {
      ui.createComponent('collection', {
        id: '303426502808',
        node: document.getElementById('collection-component-1717017319416'),
        moneyFormat: '%24%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D',
        options: {
  "product": {
    "styles": {
      "product": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)",
          "margin-left": "20px",
          "margin-bottom": "50px",
          "width": "calc(25% - 20px)"
        },
        "img": {
          "height": "calc(100% - 15px)",
          "position": "absolute",
          "left": "0",
          "right": "0",
          "top": "0"
        },
        "imgWrapper": {
          "padding-top": "calc(75% + 15px)",
          "position": "relative",
          "height": "0"
        }
      },
      "title": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif"
      },
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      },
      "price": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      },
      "compareAt": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      },
      "unitPrice": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      }
    },
    "buttonDestination": "modal",
    "contents": {
      "options": false
    },
    "text": {
      "button": "View product"
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Lato",
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  },
  "productSet": {
    "styles": {
      "products": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "margin-left": "-20px"
        }
      }
    }
  },
  "modalProduct": {
    "contents": {
      "img": false,
      "imgWithCarousel": true,
      "button": false,
      "buttonWithQuantity": true
    },
    "styles": {
      "product": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "max-width": "100%",
          "margin-left": "0px",
          "margin-bottom": "0px"
        }
      },
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      },
      "title": {
        "font-family": "Playfair Display, serif",
        "font-weight": "normal",
        "font-size": "26px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "price": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "18px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "compareAt": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "15.299999999999999px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "unitPrice": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "15.299999999999999px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "description": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif"
      }
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Playfair Display",
      "Lato",
      "Josefin Slab"
    ],
    "text": {
      "button": "Add to cart"
    }
  },
  "option": {},
  "cart": {
    "styles": {
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      }
    },
    "text": {
      "total": "Subtotal",
      "button": "Checkout"
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  },
  "toggle": {
    "styles": {
      "toggle": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        }
      }
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  }
},
      });
    });
  }
})();
/*]]>*/
</script>

Learn more about other Makers Of Change, books and services by visiting https://makersof.xyz. Or subscribe to our newsletter, we know you’re tired and doing your best as a parent. We’ll be there to support you occasionally.