"Wanda Batchelor has broken through many barriers in her lifetime. She became the first Native American cadet graduate of the Auburn Police Department. She was the first full-blooded Native American female State Park Peace Officer. And in 2010, she was elected as the first female tribal leader of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Batchelor never intended to carve herself a place in history as the first in many areas. She has simply followed the guidance of her family, who have always encouraged her to break the mold and follow her gut, and, most recently, pursued her vision to empower her people. “The people must have their voice,” she said shortly after winning the election.

“I come from strong leaders, and as a traditional practitioner, I am wise in what I need to be doing for my people,” she told Indian Country Today Media Network.

Batchelor beat out seven men for the role as tribal leader. Now in the second year of her four-year term, she is looking ahead to what she wants to leave behind for the 1,532 enrolled members of the Washoe tribe, the first people of the Lake Tahoe region."

Get the Story:
Wanda Batchelor: The First Tribal Chairwoman of the Washoe Talks About Empowering Her People (Indian Country Today 8/10)

Related Stories:
Washoe Tribe makes history with first female elected as leader (10/20)