Annie Dodge Wauneka

About

Leader of the Navajo Nation tribe who worked to improve the health and education of her people, while serving on the National Tuberculosis Association. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 by Lyndon B. Johnson for her important work.

Before Fame

An influenza outbreak when she was eight killed many of the members of her tribe, including friends and classmates, and inspired her to help her tribe.

Trivia

She educated her tribe about Western medicine, teaching them for instance the concepts of vaccination.

Family Life

She grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona, her father one of the most influential members of the tribe.

Associated With

The Navajo tribe that she once led counts among their members several popular actors, like Megalyn Echikunwoke .