Cecelia Fire Thunder won't be inaugurated as president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota until next month but is already facing pressure as the first woman to lead the tribe.

Fire Thunder, 58, says she's aware her gender plays a big role in how people see her, regardless of her qualifications. "I know some traditionalists say a man should do this, and I'm aware of the negativity in places, of the discrimination about being a woman," she tells The Sioux Falls Argus Leader. "But the people chose me."

Fire Thunder joins a growing list of women tribal leaders nationwide. A former nurse, she has been active in domestic violence and health care issues on the reservation.

The inauguration is December 11.

Get the Story:
Tribes turning to more women leaders (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 11/14)
New era begins for Oglala Sioux with woman leader (AP 11/14)
OST inauguration scheduled for Dec. 11 (The Rapid City Journal 11/13)

Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe

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