JULY 4, 1948

NORTHERN ARAPAHOE/CHEYENNE RED SPIDER WOMAN (MARGARET BEHAN) BORN

Behan, born in Clinton, Oklahoma, is a Sand Creek Massacre survivor descendant. Both parents taught her about her culture. Margaret began drinking at an early age to “fit in” with her friends. Her process of rehabilitating herself began after attending a peyote ceremony and eventually led to her becoming a licensed substance abuse counselor. Moving to Montana, she further studied traditional teachings and learned to use psychodrama as a tool in her work. She now presents trauma and substance abuse programs across the country.  In 2004, Margaret helped form the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers and, in 2007, founded of “The Cheyenne Elders Council.” Margaret has served as a dance leader in Oklahoma and in powwows across the U.S. A sculptress of clay figurines, she creates dolls that have taken honors at the Santa Fe Indian Market and Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. Margaret is also an accomplished author, poet, and playwright.

Sources:

“Grandmother Margaret,” Native Village Publications.  Retrieved 4/22/2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20051225222934/http://sacredstudies.org/bios.html  

Untitled.  Retrieved 4/22/2023, Untitled Document (archive.org)

Wikipedia

Photo:  Jondoig, 10/24/2009. Permissive Use [cropped by R. Sheehan].