On this International Women’s Day, we are particularly proud of the work we are privileged to do for VA’s Office of Women’s Health.
DIS enthusiastically embarked on the creation of a distinctive communications campaign for Women’s Health showcasing some of our nation’s most influential Native American and Alaska Native women Veterans. The campaign aligns with the 2024 theme for Women’s History Month, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and embodies VA’s commitment to promoting equity and diversity.
Our team researched remarkable Native American women Veterans who served throughout American military history. To ensure a comprehensive representation over time, we carefully selected eight women.
The featured women are: Charlotte Edith Monture, from the Iroquois of Mohawk Nation; Ola Rexroat, from the Oglala-Lakota Nation; Marcella Lebeau, from the Sioux Tribe in South Dakota; Grace Francis Thorpe, from Potawatomi, Kickapoo, and Menominee heritage, and a direct descendent of Sac and Fox Chief Black Hawk; Linda Woods, an Alaska Native of Ottawa and Chippewa descent; Dianna Good Sky, from the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa; Lori Ann Piestewa, of the Hopi Tribe from the Navajo Nation; and Mitchelene BigMan, an Apsáalooke from the Montana Crow Reservation.
Through our research, we learned that quilts are a deep part of Native American culture. Our designer painstakingly researched the Tribes and Nations of each honoree and created original quilt blocks that matched those reminiscent of their tribe to surround each woman’s portrait.
This endeavor exemplifies our overarching DIS approach to client work.
At DIS, we strive to craft innovative and bespoke solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients. We know details matter and great communication begins with accurate information that shares a story and evokes connection and emotion.
We would like to acknowledge and express appreciation to Native American Women Warriors and VA’s Office of Tribal Government Relations, who served as advisors and reviewers on this campaign. We would also like to thank the family of Lori Ann Piestewa, who gave their blessing to use the image of their daughter, who died while serving in Iraq, becoming the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military, and the first woman in the U.S. military killed in the Iraq war.
