Thomasina Jordan

Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan (Red Hawk Woman) (? - 1999) was an internationally recognized American Indian activist.

Jordan received bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts at Bishop Lee College in Boston.

She studied at Harvard University, received an educational doctorate from The Catholic University of America, and attended the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York City.

Jordan was a long-time member of the Alexandria Republican City Committee and the first American Indian to serve in the Electoral College in 1988.

Thomasina Jordan was appointed Chairperson of the Virginia Council on Indians.

Thomasina Jordan was founder of the American Indian Cultural Exchange, served on the Board of Directors of Save the Children and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, was past president of Chapter I of the Capital Speakers Club, and was a recipient of the Medal of Honor of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Thomasina Jordan was instrumental throughout the years in bringing Indian issues to the forefront in the General Assembly, including legislation to correct birth certificates to identify Native Americans as such, allow animal parts and feathers to be used in religious regalia, and memorialize the United States Congress to grant historic federal recognition to Virginia’s state-recognized tribes.

References

• Virginia House Resolution 79, Year 2000