Legend Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Teacher & Artist | 1984 INDUCTEE
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve is a respected teacher and writer who was born in 1933 on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She has spent her life sharing the rich stories and histories of Native Americans and breaking down wrong ideas about them. She went to South Dakota State University and earned two degrees there.
Virginia taught in South Dakota public schools, Indian reservations and colleges. She wrote many books that tell stories about Native American life, both for kids and adults. Some of her famous books are Jimmy Yellow Hawk, High Elk’s Treasure, and The Chichi Hoohoo Bogeyman. In her stories, she shares the real experiences and traditions of Native Americans, showing their strength and resilience.
She has received many awards for her work, like the National Humanities Medal given by President Bill Clinton. This award shows how important her work is in helping people understand and appreciate Native American history and culture. Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve has made a big difference by teaching and writing about Native American stories and traditions, making sure they are remembered and respected.
“The Christmas Coat: Memories of my Sioux Childhood”
In the Moment Interview with Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Awards & Honors
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North American Indian Prose Award, University of Nebraska
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South Dakota Education Association Human Services Award
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Author-Illustrator Human and Civil Rights Award
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Human Rights Award, South Dakota State Counselors Association
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National Humanities Medal
Virginia Receives the National Humanities Medal
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Virginia Receives the National Humanities Medal -
Virginia and her husband, Vance, with President Bill Clinton & First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Books by Virginia
Click on the books below to enlarge!
Reflection:
Virginia was motivated to write so she could fight stereotypes of Native Americans and inaccuracies in common beliefs. What stereotypes might you have regarding Native Americans and other people?
Virginia writes from her own experiences. What experiences could you use to develop a story?
Virginia found success as an author. What leadership traits must Virginia have that allowed her to find her purpose in life?
How has learning about Virginia’s life impacted your thinking?
Click the image to read an article on South Dakota Magazine’s website,