Ruth Muskrat Bronson

Ruth Muskrat Bronson
Ruth Muskrat, holding The Red Man In The United States (1919), by Gustavus Elmer Emmanuel Lindquist (1886-1967), on December 13, 1923. The book’s beaded cover and dress were made by an Indian woman of the Cheyenne tribe, Fish Woman. The book is an study of the social, religious, and economic life of American Indians, made under the auspices of the Institute of Social and Religious Research.
Ruth Muskrat, holding The Red Man In The United States, December 13, 1923
Born
Ruth Margaret Muskrat

(1897-10-03)October 3, 1897
White Water, Delaware Nation Reservation, Indian Territory
DiedJune 12, 1982(1982-06-12) (aged 84)
Tucson, Arizona
NationalityAmerican
Occupations
  • Poet
  • educator
  • Indian rights activist
Years active1925–82
Known forfirst Guidance and Placement Officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Ruth Muskrat Bronson (October 3, 1897 – June 12, 1982) was a Cherokee Nation poet, educator and Indian rights activist. After completing her education, Bronson became the first Guidance and Placement Officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She served as executive secretary for the National Congress of American Indians, which was founded in 1944, and created their legislative news service.

After a decade of work in Washington, D.C., Bronson moved to Arizona. There she served as a health education specialist for the Indian Health Service. Upon her retirement from the government, she received the Oveta Culp Hobby Service Award from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. She continued working for Native American rights, promoting their development and leadership in the private sector until her death.