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{{Short description|American activist}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{format references|date=August 2019}}
{{Lead too short|date=August 2019}}
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{{Infobox American Indian chief {{Infobox American Indian chief
|name = Margaret Behan |name =Margaret Behan
|image = Margaret_Behan_350.jpg |image =Margaret_Behan_350.jpg
|image_size = 250px |image_size =250px
|caption = Margaret Behan blessing a ] event |caption =Margaret Behan blessing a ] event
|tribe = Arapaho/Cheyenne |tribe =]/]
|lead = |lead =
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|07|04}} |birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1948|07|04}}
|birth_place = Watonga, Oklahoma |birth_place =]
|death_date = |death_date =
|death_place = |death_place =
|predecessor = |predecessor =
|successor = |successor =
|native_name = |native_name =Red Spider Woman
|nicknames = Red Spider Woman |nicknames =Maggie
|known_for = President of the Cheyenne Elders Council. |known_for =The Founder and CEO of the privately incorporated organization "Cheyenne Elders Council".
|death_cause = |death_cause =
|resting_place = |resting_place =
|rp_coordinates = |rp_coordinates =
|religion = |religion =
|party = |party =
|education = Chilacco Boarding School, Jr. College in Weatherford, Oklahoma and ] |education =St. Patrick's Mission School, to age 10. Concho Government Boarding School to age 13. Chilacco Government Boarding School, Jr. College in Weatherford, Oklahoma and ]
|spouse = |spouse =
|partner = |partner =
|children = |children =3
|parents = |parents =Harry Behan and Daisy Behan (nee Fletcher)
|relations = |relations =
|signature = |signature =
|footnotes = |footnotes =mentioned in Father Powell's "Sweet Medicine"
|battles = |battles =
}} }}


'''Margaret Behan''' is a ] spiritual elder who is Arapahoe-Cheyenne and a fifth generation of the ].<ref>Harcourt-Smith</ref> Through her work as an indigenous elder stateswoman, Margaret has gained international recognition through her work as part of the Council of the ] - a group of spiritual elders, ] and wisdom keepers since its founding in 2004.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.2</ref> '''Margaret Behan''' is a ] artist and a former member of the ].


==Early years== ==Early years==
Behan is "of the Kit Fox Clan of the ] on her mother’s side, and on her father’s side she is half Northern Cheyenne and half ] of the Rabbit Lodge."<ref name = "ictmnjune2013">{{Cite web
Margaret claims that she was prayed for and a ] ceremony was arranged before her conception.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.35</ref> Peyote was always seen as a healing medicine to her and her family.
| title =Wolf Connection to Join 13 Indigenous Grandmothers in Montana
| access-date =2013-06-16
| website =]
| date =2012-07-24
| url =http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/wolf-connection-to-join-13-indigenous-grandmothers-in-montana-125303
| archive-url =https://archive.today/20130619230732/http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/wolf-connection-to-join-13-indigenous-grandmothers-in-montana-125303
| url-status =dead
| archive-date =2013-06-19
}}</ref> She was one of eight children. Her parents were migrant farmworkers.<ref name = "missoulaindependent">{{Cite news
| last = Mayrer
| first = Jessica
| title = Making amends among Montana's Northern Cheyenne
| work = ]
| location = Missoula, MT
| access-date = 2013-06-19
| date = 2012-08-09
| url = http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/apologies-accepted/Content?oid=1671977
| archive-date = 2016-04-18
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160418050309/http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/apologies-accepted/Content?oid=1671977
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> Behan claims that she was prayed for and a ] ceremony was arranged before her conception.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.35</ref>


She is a fourth generation descendant of a survivor of the ].<ref name="Harcourt-Smith">Harcourt-Smith</ref>
==Family life==

When Margaret had children, peyote was important for her children too. After her son suffered from a high heart rate her grandfather and uncles conducted another ceremony and cured him. Margaret claims that heart specialists were amazed as they had never seen such a change.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.36</ref>
==Personal life==
Behan has 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.36</ref>


==Work as an artist== ==Work as an artist==
The mother of Paul Quintana, Margaret's mother-in-law at the time, noticed how well Margaret worked on a pair of beaded moccasins and suggested that she might want to work in clay. Margaret felt so confident in her new career as an artist that she resigned from her job in 1982 and took up her new artistic career full time.<ref>Six Directions</ref> Later moving to ] due to the properties of the clay there.<ref>Six Directions</ref> Began's mother-in-law suggested that she might want to work in clay after noticing Behan's work on a pair of beaded moccasins. Behan felt so confident in her new career as an artist that she resigned from her job in 1982 and took up her new artistic career full-time. Her work is mentioned in four Folk Art books. She later moved to ] due to the properties of the clay there.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bios |url=http://www.sixdirect.com/biopage.html |website=Six Directions}}</ref>


==Addiction work== == Addiction work ==
Margaret suffered from alcohol addiction as a young woman. She feels that she drank in order to 'fit in' with her friends. With the aid of addiction clinics, and more of her grandfather's ] ceremonies, Margaret was able to become free of her addiction. Behan suffered from alcohol addiction as a young woman. She feels that she drank in order to 'fit in' with her friends. With the aid of addiction clinics, and more of her grandparents' ceremonies, she was able to become free of her addiction.


As a result of this experience, Margaret has trained to be a Licensed ] Counselor and led ] for children and co-dependants of alcoholics<ref>Future Primitive</ref> to help other First Nation people that had found themselves in a similar position.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.38</ref> As a result of this experience, Behan trained to be a Licensed ] Counselor and with her traditional teachings, has led ] for children and co-dependants of alcoholics<ref>Future Primitive</ref> to help other First Nation people that had found themselves in a similar position. Historical trauma commonly leads to alcohol, drug, and behaviour issues.<ref>Schaefer (2006) p.38</ref>


==The Cheyenne Elders Council== ==The Cheyenne Elders Council==
Behan is the founder of "The Cheyenne Elders Council", formed in 2007–2008,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cheyenne Elders Council Inc. |url=http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/showVals.php?ft=bmf&ein=300477652 |website=National Center for Charitable Statistics}}</ref> with Behan as the sole member, and has the mission to, "Heal Our Own Oppression."<ref>Sacred Studies</ref> She had recently bought land next to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, and said she "was troubled when she heard one of her people say that Cheyenne youth would have to save themselves," saying "They were not getting any kind of influence or teaching from the elders."<ref name = "missoulaindependent"/> Behan reported that she had created "the T’sistsistas’s Sacred School" in her home.<ref name="Billings">{{cite news|last=Olp|first=Susan|title=Indigenous Grandmothers group comes to Lame Deer|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/indigenous-grandmothers-group-comes-to-lame-deer/article_d77cb4e4-8508-5829-ae69-631e20f51c47.html|access-date=3 June 2013|newspaper=] |date=July 29, 2012}}</ref> Behan says, "We need to bring our Cheyenne identity and pride back to the young people, teach them the traditional ceremonies and language."<ref>{{Cite news
Margaret is the President and founder of The Cheyenne Elders Council. This charity was founded in 2008<ref>NCCS</ref> and has the mission to, "Heal Our Own Oppression."<ref>Sacred Studies</ref>
| title =Historic Horseback Ride Commemorating Cheyenne Exodus of 1878 Departs on June 1, 2012. | work =Indian Country Today Media Network| access-date =2013-06-16
| date =2012-05-27| url =http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/gallery/photo/historic-horseback-ride-commemorating-cheyenne-exodus-of-1878-departs-on-june-1-115100}}</ref>


She was interviewed by ] International Magazine in October, 2011.<ref>{{Cite news
==The International Council of 13 Grandmothers==
| title =An Interview with Grandmother Margaret Behan: Indigenous Grandmother's Lessons on Living Your Best Life
{{Main|International Council of 13 Grandmothers}}
| work =AARP International: News Makers
In 2004, Margaret was approached by ] to serve on the ]. These thirteen Grandmothers are internationally known Keepers of Wisdom, Medicine Women and ] and come from all four directions of the world.<ref>Supriano, S, (2009-04-06)</ref>
| access-date =2013-06-16
| date =2011-10-01
| url =http://www.aarpinternational.org/resource-library/resources/indigenous-grandmothers-lessons-on-living-your-best-life
}}</ref>


In July 2012, Behan hosted the "11th Gathering of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers" at which the riders commemorating the ] of 1878 shared stories of their journey.<ref name=RideHome>{{Cite news
The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom. The Grandmothers have also petitioned the ] to revoke a 15th Century ] and related ]s which brought about a culture of 'rape and run' culture when new lands have been discovered. The Grandmothers have visited the ] in order to hand-deliver their request. However, these medieval decrees still yet to be revoked.<ref>Capriccioso, R, Jul 17, 2008</ref>
| title =Cheyenne Exodus Historic Horseback Journey Captured in Photographs
| work =Indian Country Today Media Network| accessdate =2013-06-16| date =2012-07-28
| url =http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/gallery/photo/cheyenne-exodus-historic-horseback-journey-captured-in-photographs-125250}}</ref> Initially planned to be held on her private property, wildfires led to the event being held at the pow wow grounds leased from the ].<ref name="Billings" /> "The gathering ... set up as a traditional Cheyenne encampment", with "thirteen teepees, one for each grandmother."<ref>{{Cite news
| title = 11th International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers July 26th-29th, 2012 Gratitude Brings Freedom In honor of Grandmother Margaret Behan
| work = A Cheyenne Voice
| location = ]
| access-date = 2013-06-21
| date = 2012-07-31
| url = http://acheyennevoice.com/page/5/
}}</ref> In attendance was a great-great-great grandniece of ], who made a "formal apology to the Northern Cheyenne," and a great-great-granddaughter of Brig. Gen. ], who also offered an apology.<ref name = "missoulaindependent"/>


A two-part video of attendees from Vashon Intuitive Arts describing the event is available on the Internet Archive.<ref>{{Cite web
Margaret was invited to join the council through, she feels, being known through her work with addiction.<ref>Harcourt-Smith</ref>
| last = Asterino
| first = Brenda
| title = SHE-Grandmothers' Gathering part one (Montana Rally)
| work = Internet Archive
| date = 20 January 2013
| access-date = 2013-06-21
| url = https://archive.org/details/scm-201470-she-grandmothersgatheringpart
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| last = Asterino
| first = Brenda
| title = SHE-Grandmothers' Gathering part two (Montana Rally)
| work = Internet Archive
| date = 27 January 2013
| access-date = 2013-06-21
| url = https://archive.org/details/scm-206470-she-grandmothersgatheringpart
}}</ref>


== Notes == == Notes ==
Line 62: Line 122:


== References == == References ==
* Grandmothers' Council website, * Grandmothers' Council website,
* Harcourt-Smith, J. * Harcourt-Smith, J.
*Native Village Publications, *Native Village Publications, {{usurped|}}
*Sacred Studies, {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225222934/http://sacredstudies.org/bios.html|date=25 December 2005|title=Grandmother's Biographies}}.
*National Center for Charitable Statistics,
*Sacred Studies, .
*Schaefer, C. (2006) Grandmothers Council the World: wise women elders offer their vision for our planet. Trumpeter Books 978-1-59030-293-4 *Schaefer, C. (2006) Grandmothers Council the World: wise women elders offer their vision for our planet. Trumpeter Books 978-1-59030-293-4
* Six Directions, * Six Directions,
Line 72: Line 131:
== External links == == External links ==
* *
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724013337/http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/ |date=2010-07-24 }}
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008022508/http://www.forthenext7generations.com/ |date=2019-10-08 }}
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME =Behan, Margaret
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =1948-07-04
| PLACE OF BIRTH =Watonga, Oklahoma
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Behan, Margaret}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Behan, Margaret}}
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
]
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]

Latest revision as of 01:28, 30 August 2024

American activist
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Margaret Behan
Red Spider Woman
Margaret Behan blessing a 350.org event
Arapaho/Cheyenne leader
Personal details
Born (1948-07-04) July 4, 1948 (age 76)
Clinton Indian Health Center
Children3
Parent(s)Harry Behan and Daisy Behan (nee Fletcher)
EducationSt. Patrick's Mission School, to age 10. Concho Government Boarding School to age 13. Chilacco Government Boarding School, Jr. College in Weatherford, Oklahoma and Brigham Young University
Known forThe Founder and CEO of the privately incorporated organization "Cheyenne Elders Council".
NicknameMaggie
mentioned in Father Powell's "Sweet Medicine"

Margaret Behan is a Native American artist and a former member of the International Council of 13 Grandmothers.

Early years

Behan is "of the Kit Fox Clan of the Cheyenne Nation of Oklahoma on her mother’s side, and on her father’s side she is half Northern Cheyenne and half Arapahoe of the Rabbit Lodge." She was one of eight children. Her parents were migrant farmworkers. Behan claims that she was prayed for and a Peyote ceremony was arranged before her conception.

She is a fourth generation descendant of a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre.

Personal life

Behan has 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Work as an artist

Began's mother-in-law suggested that she might want to work in clay after noticing Behan's work on a pair of beaded moccasins. Behan felt so confident in her new career as an artist that she resigned from her job in 1982 and took up her new artistic career full-time. Her work is mentioned in four Folk Art books. She later moved to Taos, New Mexico due to the properties of the clay there.

Addiction work

Behan suffered from alcohol addiction as a young woman. She feels that she drank in order to 'fit in' with her friends. With the aid of addiction clinics, and more of her grandparents' ceremonies, she was able to become free of her addiction.

As a result of this experience, Behan trained to be a Licensed Substance abuse Counselor and with her traditional teachings, has led retreats for children and co-dependants of alcoholics to help other First Nation people that had found themselves in a similar position. Historical trauma commonly leads to alcohol, drug, and behaviour issues.

The Cheyenne Elders Council

Behan is the founder of "The Cheyenne Elders Council", formed in 2007–2008, with Behan as the sole member, and has the mission to, "Heal Our Own Oppression." She had recently bought land next to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, and said she "was troubled when she heard one of her people say that Cheyenne youth would have to save themselves," saying "They were not getting any kind of influence or teaching from the elders." Behan reported that she had created "the T’sistsistas’s Sacred School" in her home. Behan says, "We need to bring our Cheyenne identity and pride back to the young people, teach them the traditional ceremonies and language."

She was interviewed by AARP International Magazine in October, 2011.

In July 2012, Behan hosted the "11th Gathering of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers" at which the riders commemorating the Northern Cheyenne Exodus of 1878 shared stories of their journey. Initially planned to be held on her private property, wildfires led to the event being held at the pow wow grounds leased from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. "The gathering ... set up as a traditional Cheyenne encampment", with "thirteen teepees, one for each grandmother." In attendance was a great-great-great grandniece of General Custer, who made a "formal apology to the Northern Cheyenne," and a great-great-granddaughter of Brig. Gen. Anson Mills, who also offered an apology.

A two-part video of attendees from Vashon Intuitive Arts describing the event is available on the Internet Archive.

Notes

  1. "Wolf Connection to Join 13 Indigenous Grandmothers in Montana". Indian Country Today Media Network. 2012-07-24. Archived from the original on 2013-06-19. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  2. ^ Mayrer, Jessica (2012-08-09). "Making amends among Montana's Northern Cheyenne". Missoula Independent. Missoula, MT. Archived from the original on 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2013-06-19.
  3. Schaefer (2006) p.35
  4. Harcourt-Smith
  5. Schaefer (2006) p.36
  6. "Bios". Six Directions.
  7. Future Primitive
  8. Schaefer (2006) p.38
  9. "Cheyenne Elders Council Inc". National Center for Charitable Statistics.
  10. Sacred Studies
  11. ^ Olp, Susan (July 29, 2012). "Indigenous Grandmothers group comes to Lame Deer". Billings Gazette. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  12. "Historic Horseback Ride Commemorating Cheyenne Exodus of 1878 Departs on June 1, 2012". Indian Country Today Media Network. 2012-05-27. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  13. "An Interview with Grandmother Margaret Behan: Indigenous Grandmother's Lessons on Living Your Best Life". AARP International: News Makers. 2011-10-01. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  14. "Cheyenne Exodus Historic Horseback Journey Captured in Photographs". Indian Country Today Media Network. 2012-07-28. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  15. "11th International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers July 26th-29th, 2012 Gratitude Brings Freedom In honor of Grandmother Margaret Behan". A Cheyenne Voice. Colstrip, Montana. 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2013-06-21.
  16. Asterino, Brenda (20 January 2013). "SHE-Grandmothers' Gathering part one (Montana Rally)". Internet Archive. Retrieved 2013-06-21.
  17. Asterino, Brenda (27 January 2013). "SHE-Grandmothers' Gathering part two (Montana Rally)". Internet Archive. Retrieved 2013-06-21.

References

External links

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