Medicine, Beatrice A. (1923–)

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Medicine, Beatrice A. (1923–)

Native-American anthropologist, teacher, and author. Born on the Standing Rock Reservation, Wakpala, South Dakota, Aug 1, 1923 (some sources cite 1924); South Dakota State University, BS; Michigan State University, MA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, PhD; married and div.; children: 1 son, Clarence.

A member of the Lakota (Sioux) Sihasapa tribe, took up the study of anthropology to better understand her Native American heritage; focused on the development of Native American family life and the role of women in Native American culture and society; taught at many leading centers of Native American studies, including San Francisco State College and the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Was honored as the Sacred Pipe Woman of the revived Lakota Sun Dance (1977); received the Distinguished Service Award of American Anthropological Association (1991).

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