Dear Friends and Supporters,

As Native American Heritage Month continues, and as we move into a season of gratitude and reflection, the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit invites our community to uplift the stories, contributions, and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples—especially the women who have led with strength, wisdom, and resilience across generations.

Did you know?

In 1924, Cora Reynolds Anderson, a member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, became the first Native American woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Her legacy lives on as a reminder of how Indigenous women have long shaped policy, protected communities, and led with courage—even when their presence went unrecognized by mainstream history.

At the YWCA, our mission to eliminate racism and empower women calls us to honor and amplify these stories—not only in November, but all year long.

Through trauma-informed services, racial justice advocacy, and support programs for women and families, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous women across Detroit, the Great Lakes region, and beyond. As we enter the holiday season, we encourage moments of reflection that make space for both truth and healing—recognizing the ancestral lands we live on and the voices that have protected them.

When we honor Indigenous women, we honor leadership.
When we share truth, we create space for healing.
When we empower women, we transform generations.

With respect and commitment,

YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Eliminating Racism. Empowering Women. Strengthening Communities.