Margaret Poisal | |
|---|---|
| Born | Margaret (Walking Woman) Poisal c. 1834 Cherry Creek, now in Colorado |
| Died | between 1883 and 1892 |
| Occupation | Interpreter |
| Years active | 1851–1883 |
| Spouse | Thomas Fitzpatrick |
| Parent(s) | John Poisal and Snake Woman |
| Relatives | Chief Niwot (Chief Left Hand), maternal uncle |
Margaret Poisal (c. 1834–between 1883 and 1892) was "the only woman who was an official witness, interpreter, and consultant at many meetings and treaty councils held along or in close proximity to the Santa Fe Trail."[1] The daughter of French Canadian trapper John Poisal and Arapaho Snake Woman, Poisal was educated at a convent school. She married Thomas Fitzpatrick, an Indian agent, and they worked together negotiating peace between Native American tribes and the United States government. After Fitzpatrick died, Poisal continued to work as an interpreter and peacemaker.