Happy Women’s History Month! This month we are launching our New Mexico Sheroes campaign to celebrate self-identified women who have made herstory in our state.
Lozen was a Chihenne Chiricahua Apache warrior, seer, healer, and midwife, born near Ojo Caliente, NM, who lived from 1840 – 1890. Lozen was known as “the shield of her people” and is celebrated for her physical agility and spiritual leadership. In her time, the Apache people were pursued by the Mexican and U.S. governments, giving them little rest or peace. Lozen rode as the only woman warrior among men, alongside her brother, Warrior Chief Vitorio, and later with leaders such as Geronimo.
There are many stories of her bravery, including one in which she guides the women and children of the Chihenne Apache band to safety across rough Rio Grande waters. She also aided a pregnant woman who was trying to reach her family safely at the Mescalero Apache territory, during a three day journey through the Chihuahuan desert. She helped deliver the woman’s baby on the journey, while eluding the U.S. Military who searched for them.
“Riding first into danger, as an example and leader, Lozen inspired pride in her fellow warriors. She was a model of fearless bravery and heroism, a person of humility, great knowledge, and power. Lozen holds a respected place among the Apache and continues to inspire women today.” – New Mexico Office of the State Historian (NM Digital History Project)
We’d love to learn about and celebrate the New Mexico Sheroes in your life! To participate, post a photo of the New Mexico women you want to honor on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with a message about what they’ve meant to you and your community and tag us!