Minnesota NOW

Minnesota NOW is a multi-issue, grassroots organization that’s been fighting for equality and justice since 1971

Feminism in Action

Donate Join NOW Volunteer

  • About
    • About MN NOW
    • Get Involved
    • Calendar of Events
    • Become a Member
    • Volunteer/Intern with Us
    • Awards
  • Issues
    • Constitutional Equality
    • Economic Justice
    • Freedom from Violence
    • LGBTQ Rights
    • Racial Justice
    • Reproductive Rights
  • News
  • Foundation
    • Planned Giving
  • PAC
    • MN NOW PAC – Candidates
    • Candidates Seeking Endorsement
    • 2022 Candidates
  • Chapters
    • Fergus Falls Area NOW
    • Minnesota Valley NOW
    • MSP NOW
  • Events
    • 2025 Annual Conference Business Meeting
    • 2025 National Conference
    • Calendar of Events
    • Taking Action 2025
    • Minnesota Now Conversations
  • Escape

First Diplomat, Native American

Updated April 10, 2021

Although Minnesotan Eugenia Anderson was the first woman to hold ambassadorial rank for the United States, Pocahontas visited England in the early 1600s in what might have been considered an ambassadorial role for her father, an important Indigenous leader of his day in what became part of the eastern U.S. 

Pocahontas was not a princess in Powhatan culture, but the Virginia Company presented her as one to the English public because she was the daughter of an important chief. Many English at that time recognized Powhatan, Pocahontas’ father, as the ruler of an empire, and presumably accorded to his daughter what they considered appropriate status. Cleric and travel writer Samuel Purchas recalled meeting Pocahontas in London, noting that she impressed those whom she met because she “carried her self as the daughter of a king”. When John Smith met her again in London, even he (who may have had his life saved by her in 1607), referred to her deferentially as a “King’s daughter”. Source: Wikipedia – Pocahontas.

Search

Trailblazers come in many colors!

Women Trailblazers
Suffrage As A “Badass” Revolution
MN Suffrage History
MN Suffrage Takes Off

MN Fast Start Stalls for 50 Years
Women Chosen Across America
Elected Women Worldwide
Global Women Ambassadors

Get Minnesota NOW Updates

Minnesota NOW

Minnesota NOW is a multi-issue, grassroots organization that’s been fighting for equality and justice since 1971.

Learn more about us.

Contact

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 912
Burnsville, MN 55337

E-Mail
[email protected]

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter