This Women’s History Month, we are honoring the strength, resilience, and wisdom of the matriarchs who have broken cycles of generational trauma and paved the way for healthier traditions and communities. These matriarchs, our grandmothers, mothers, aunties, and sisters, have nurtured and protected us, ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.

By listening to the stories of our upbringing, we deepen our understanding of how to build safe, respectful, and thriving communities, grounded in compassion, unity, and love. This month, we proudly celebrate and uplift the Native matriarchs who have shaped our communities with their unwavering guidance and strength.To honor these matriarchs, several CSVANW staff members have shared personal stories of the women in their lives who taught them how to break cycles:

Charolette Gonzales’ Story:

“My name is Charolette Gonzales. I come from the beautiful lands of Navajo Nation, Waterflow, NM, and San Ildefonso Pueblo. When I think of matriarchs, the first person who comes to mind is my mother, Nicolle Arthun. I have always viewed mothers as healing, strong beings, women who create space not only for themselves but for their children and communities. Native women truly birth and nurture our nations into existence.

My mom had me at a young age, which meant she had to grow up faster than most. Despite the challenges, she finished school, became a nurse, and worked for IHS. During her time there, she witnessed the deep disparities Native women faced within western healthcare systems, leading to alarming increases in mortality rates.

Determined to make a difference, she enrolled in midwifery school and committed herself to bridging these gaps in care. She sought to bring traditional values and practices back to Native birthing, ultimately founding the nonprofit known as Changing Woman Initiative. All while raising three children, including my two younger brothers, she never paused in her journey.Seeing her accomplish so much has taught me that I, too, can challenge harmful patterns in my community. It is through her strength and determination that I can do the work I do today and hold it in such high regard.”

Tyra Quetawki’s Story:

“My mother is the backbone of our family. In times of defeat or failure, she was always there to lift my spirits. My mom, Michele, is the eldest of four siblings and two cousin-siblings. One of her fondest memories is spending time at her paternal grandmother’s house near the middle village of Zuni Pueblo.

I always see her as a bright spirit who sprinkles yellow and purple glitter—perfectly matching the love and support she has always given. Her strength to see the good in people taught us that everyone around us carries their own stories. She’s been an incredible caregiver to the elders in her life, a quality she inherited from her grandmother, Abby.

I view my mother as one of the first in our family to break cycles. The changes she made allowed my siblings and me to live healthier, more connected lives. Her story is the reason why my siblings and I share the same love and care she gave us. She is the matriarch I aspire to be, and I thank her every day for being the strongest for her siblings, parents, and cousins.”

Our stories begin with her, the women who came before us, who chose love over fear, and healing over harm. The matriarchs we honor this month did more than nurture; they redefined what it means to lead, to heal, and to protect. Through their resilience and vision, they broke cycles and built bridges, ensuring that future generations inherit not only their strength but also their wisdom.This Women’s History Month, we celebrate them. We honor their sacrifices, uplift their legacies, and commit to continuing their work, building communities rooted in respect, compassion, and unity. Their stories live on in us, guiding us as we create new paths for those who will come after.