"The controversial departure of the executive director of Women of Nations has sparked public outcry over the decline in American Indian representation within the organization.

Activists supporting former executive director Norma Renville argue that she was fired as part of a larger attempt by the organization’s board of directors to move the agency away from its American Indian-specific mission. Many who spoke at a recent community meeting said that the situation at Women of Nations parallels the larger history of Native people being denied sovereignty and basic rights by white Americans.

Activists have also called attention to the majority non-American Indian composition of the agency’s board of directors. In recent weeks, the debate over Women of Nations has grown ever more confusing, as some activists conflate the departure of Renville with the concerns about American Indian representation. Meanwhile, others argue that Renville should have been fired, but that the board needs significantly more Native members.

Renville co-founded Women of Nations, which operates several programs, including Eagle’s Nest, a battered women’s shelter providing American Indian-focused services, in 1982. She served as executive director for seven years. During that time, she said, she spearheaded extensive renovations and expanded culturally specific events and practices. Renville said that she was satisfied with her job until several months ago, when, she said, board members held meetings to discuss their grievances against her while she was out on medical leave for a broken wrist."

Get the Story:
Controversy at Women of nations (The Circle 7/23)