Mary Crow Dog's memoir Lakota Woman is widely praised for its raw authenticity and profound cultural insights into Native American life. Readers commend its powerful narrative and emotional depth, vividly illustrating struggles and resilience. However, some criticize its pacing and nonlinear storytelling. Overall, it offers a compelling, albeit challenging, read.

Readers of Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog, who will appreciate its powerful narrative, often enjoy memoirs grounded in social justice and cultural identity. Comparable to titles like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, these readers seek profound, firsthand accounts of resilience and transformation.

Published in 1990, Lakota Woman is a memoir by Mary Crow Dog, member of the Brule Tribe of the Western Sioux and activist in the American Indian Movement. The book recounts her developing awareness of the subjugation faced by her people and women in her tribe. She explores the impact of government oppression on reservations and how the American Indian Movement helps her reconnect with her religion and traditions, ultimately becoming a traditional Sioux woman. The book covers sensitive topics such as racial discrimination, sexual assault, and systemic oppression.

Contemplative / Emotional / Mysterious / Challenging / Inspirational

- Lakota Woman highlights the role of women in the American Indian Movement, particularly at the second occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973, showcasing their vital involvement in activism.
- The book provides an intimate perspective on Mary Crow Dog's life, previously known as Mary Ellen Moore-Richard, who belonged to the Sicangu Lakota tribe from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
- Mary Crow Dog co-wrote Lakota Woman with Richard Erdoes, a noted writer and artist focused on Native American culture and history, blending her personal narrative with his storytelling expertise.

**Mary Brave Bird/Mary Crow Dog**  
The author and narrator, she recounts her life growing up on a Sioux reservation, finding her purpose in the American Indian Movement, and reconnecting with her cultural roots.

**Leonard Crow Dog**  
A medicine man and spiritual leader within the American Indian Movement, known for his open-mindedness and efforts to revive Sioux traditions like the Ghost Dance.

**Emily Brave Bird**  
Mary Crow Dog’s mother, who raises her children with Catholic values and initially disapproves of Mary's traditional Sioux lifestyle but ultimately supports her during struggles.

**Barbara Moore**  
Mary Crow Dog’s sister, she shares a similar life path and experiences various personal challenges, including the loss of a child and being sterilized without consent.

**Annie Mae Aquash**  
A close friend of Mary Crow Dog and fellow American Indian Movement activist, known for her strength and leadership in the movement.

**Grandma Moore**  
Mary Crow Dog’s grandmother, who encourages assimilation into white society while still protecting her family from external threats.

**Dick Fool Bull**  
Mary Crow Dog’s grand-uncle who introduces her to Sioux traditions and rituals, including taking her to her first peyote meeting.

Mary Crow Dog

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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Chapter 16-Epilogue

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