November, a time to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, shines a light on the diverse cultures, rich histories, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples nationwide, including those from Idaho.
Randy’L Teton, a member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho, has a unique connection to Sacajawea. She served as the living model for the iconic US Sacajawea dollar coin launched in 2000. Now, Teton continues to breathe life into Sacajawea’s narrative for audiences of all ages, with a particular focus on captivating younger generations.
Her latest literary endeavor, “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea,” aims to present the authentic story of this remarkable young woman from Salmon, Idaho, who was tragically taken from her tribe in the late 18th century.
“Many previous accounts fail to portray her true age,” Teton reveals. “She was just a ten-year-old child when she was abducted by the Mandan Hidatsa tribe.”
The book chronicles Sacajawea’s experiences as a crucial member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, capturing the imaginations of young readers with the allure of a two-year adventure.
But Teton’s narrative goes beyond mere storytelling; it delves into the harsh realities Sacajawea faced. “Imagine navigating a perilous journey for two years while caring for a baby, a child conceived at the tender age of fourteen within a forced marriage to a French-Canadian fur trapper,” Teton explains, emphasizing the vital role Sacajawea played in the expedition’s success. “Without her invaluable contributions, the Lewis and Clark expedition might not have survived.”
Teton vividly highlights Sacajawea’s indispensable skills that aided the expedition, including her survival techniques, swimming prowess, and insightful knowledge documented in Lewis and Clark’s journals.
It was these extraordinary efforts and contributions to American history that eventually led to her immortalization on a US gold dollar coin.
“Her resilience and accomplishments during those two years are nothing short of remarkable,” Teton reflects. This powerful experience paved the way for her to become the model for the Sacajawea coin in 2000.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I envision my face, my likeness, gracing a coin,” Teton shares, humbled by the honor.
Through her book, Teton hopes to inspire future generations to learn about Sacajawea’s inspiring story and its profound connection to Idaho’s history.
The United States Mint recognizes Teton as the youngest and only living person featured on US currency. Her book is available for purchase on her website.
Interview: Celebrating Native American Heritage Through the Legacy of Sacajawea
Time.news Editor: Welcome, readers! In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we have the pleasure of speaking with Randy’L Teton, a dedicated advocate for Indigenous culture and a member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall in Idaho. Randy’L, thank you for joining us today.
Randy’L Teton: Thank you so much for having me! It’s an honor to share this important conversation.
Editor: November is not only a time for reflection but also for celebration of the diverse cultures and histories within Native American communities. How does your work contribute to this celebration?
Teton: My aim is to highlight the authentic stories of Indigenous women, particularly Sacajawea. She represents resilience and strength, yet her story is often misrepresented. By bringing her true narrative to light through my book, “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea,” I hope to inspire younger generations and encourage them to explore their heritage.
Editor: Sacajawea’s image is familiar to many through the dollar coin, but as you mentioned, her true story is often overlooked. What are some key points about her life that you feel are crucial for understanding her significance?
Teton: One of the most important aspects is her age. Many accounts portray her as an adult during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, but she was actually only ten years old when she was abducted from her tribe. Understanding how young she was during such formative experiences gives a new perspective on her resilience, courage, and contributions.
Editor: That’s truly eye-opening. You also emphasize in your work the importance of storytelling in Indigenous cultures. How do you believe storytelling impacts younger audiences, especially today?
Teton: Storytelling is a vital way to pass down knowledge and culture. For younger audiences, hearing these stories helps them connect with their roots and understand their identity. Today, with technology and media, we have so many avenues to reach kids. I aim to make Sacajawea’s story not just educational, but also entertaining and relatable, sparking interest in their own histories.
Editor: Your mission to engage and educate through storytelling is inspiring. Can you share any feedback you’ve received from the younger audiences you’ve reached?
Teton: Absolutely! Many children express surprise at Sacajawea’s age and her pivotal role in the expedition. They often say they never learned this in school. Seeing their faces light up with curiosity is heartwarming, and it reinforces the importance of sharing these authentic accounts.
Editor: It sounds like your work is making a real difference. As we continue to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, what message would you like to share with our readers about honoring Indigenous cultures?
Teton: I encourage everyone to listen to and uplift Indigenous voices. November should be a time for celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to educate ourselves about the rich history and ongoing contributions of Native peoples. Supporting Indigenous creators, reading their stories, and recognizing their ongoing battles for rights and representation is crucial.
Editor: Thank you, Randy’L. Your passion and dedication are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how your efforts continue to shine a light on Indigenous histories and cultures, especially through the legacy of Sacajawea.
Teton: Thank you! It’s an honor to share this journey, and I hope everyone takes this opportunity to explore and celebrate Indigenous heritage, not just in November, but throughout the entire year.
Editor: Well said! We appreciate your time today and the important work you’re doing.