Born: 28 August 1938, United States
Died: NA
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Ramona Church
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Meet Ramona Bennett, an American Puyallup leader and advocate whose indomitable spirit ignited the 1960s and 1970s Fish Wars in the US Pacific Northwest.
Born on August 23, 1938, Ramona’s heritage intertwines with the Swinomish and Yakima tribes. She cultivated knowledge, earning a bachelor’s in liberal arts from Evergreen State College and a master’s in education from the University of Puget Sound.
Ramona’s journey took off at the Seattle Indian Center in the early 1960s. Her impact extended to the American Indian Women’s Service League. She collaborated with visionaries like Bernie Whitebear, shaping strategies for tribal sovereignty.
Championing the Puyallup reservation’s rights against adversaries, Ramona’s election to the tribal council in 1968 marked a turning point. She defied challenges, honoring the Treaty of Point Elliott despite opposition.
In 1964, she co-founded the Survival of American Indians Association with Janet McCloud, advocating alongside Hank Adams for fishing rights. Their resilience mirrored Indigenous activists like Billy Frank Jr.
From the Fort Lawton claim to occupying the Cushman Hospital, Ramona’s courage reverberated. Elected tribal chairwoman in 1976, she led strides, leaving an indelible mark on Native American children’s protection.
The groundbreaking Boldt decision of 1974 secured treaty rights, a testament to her dedication.
Post-tenure, she continued her mission. Ramona’s influence graced the Wa-He-Lut Indian School and Rainbow Youth and Family Services.
In 2003, her contributions were celebrated by the Native Action Network, and the American Native Women’s Leadership Development Forum honored her with the Enduring Spirit award.