OJIBWE CORA REYNOLDS ANDERSON ELECTED—ONLY NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN ELECTED TO THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE
Born in L’Anse, Michigan, on April 10, 1882, Cora was a member of the La Pointe band. Graduating from the L’Anse High School in 1899, she earned a teacher’s diploma from Haskell Institute and taught school at the Zeba Mission in the Upper Peninsula for several years. Anderson organized the first public health service in Baraga County and was instrumental in securing the county’s first nurse. In 1924, Cora became the 1st woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving one term from 1925 to 1926. She is also believed to be the only Native American woman elected to the Michigan legislature. While in the House, Anderson focused on public welfare issues and chaired the Industrial Home for Girls Committee. She was dedicated to public health issues, especially the fight against alcoholism and tuberculosis. After her term, Cora became involved in the Michigan Grange and served as the Upper Peninsula officer. Anderson died March 11, 1950, in Pentland Township, Luce County, Michigan.
Sources: “Cora Reynolds Anderson,” Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Retrieved 8/2/2020, https://miwf.org/timeline/cora-reynolds-anderson/ “Cora Reynolds Anderson,” National Park Service. Retrieved 8/2/2020. Photo: Author unknown, 1925. Campaign poster. Public Domain. Source: https://www.nps.gov/people/cora-reynolds-anderson.htm.
Indigenous America Calendar 