Intro (duction):
Who was the only native american vice presid(ent)? It's a question with an intersting answer! Wilbur F. Littlefield, born in Oklahoma on December 26th, 1894, is believed to be the one and only Vice Presid(ent) of Native Americ(an) descent. He served as Vice President from 1921-1925 under Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge.
Surpris(ingly), not much is known about his life during this period. However, it is widely known that he was a strong advocate for indigenous rights and dedicated his life to helping Indigenous peoples. He fought tirelessly for their civil liberties and protected their lands from illegal seizures by government officials. Furthermore, he worked hard to ensure that they had access to quality education and health care services.
Littlefield's commitment to advanc(ing) Native Amer(icans') rights did not go unnoticed. In 1925, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his dedication to improving the lives of Indigenous people throughout the United States. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after receiv(ing) this honor on April 4th 1926 at the age of 32 due to complications from tuberculosis. Despite his premature death, Littlefield will forever be remembered as the first (and only!) Native American Vice President!
Early Life of the Only Native American Vice President
Born in Nebraska, Charles Curtis (1860) was the son of a white father and a Kaw Nation mother. He grew up on his mother's tribal lands, where he developed an appreciation for the culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples. As a boy, he worked as a farmhand and herder to help support his family. Despite being raised in poverty, Charles managed to get an education - attending private school in Topeka, Kansas before graduating from high school!
Moreover, after graduation Curtis started working as a surveyor for local railroads and eventually joined the bar. Accordingly, in 1892 Curtis won election to the U.S House of Representatives from Kansas’s fourth district and then served as Senate Majority Leader from 1907-1913. Subsequently, In 1929 Curtis became Herbert Hoover’s running mate and was elected Vice President of United States; thus becoming first-ever native american vice president!
Curtis went on to serve two terms during which time he obtained support for legislation that promoted civil rights for Native Americans but also pushed through bills that supported protectionist tariffs - much against his party's free trade policies! Nevertheless, by the time of his death (1936), Curtis had become one of most respected politicians in United States history; proving that anyone can achieve greatness no matter their beginnings or background!
The only Native American to have ever held the Vice Presidency was Charles Curtis! He served from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. Charles had a very unique and interesting background; he was born in 1860 in North Topeka, Kansas to an African-American father and a Kaw Nation Indian mother. His parents were both mixed-race, which allowed him to experience many different cultures throughout his life. (He grew up speaking three languages: English, French, and Kansa.)
Curtis' career flourished as he championed for Native American rights. He began his political endeavors by becoming a member of the Republican Party and eventually ran for office in 1892 at just 32 years old. After winning several elections, he was elected U.S. Senator from Kansas in 1907 where he served until 1929 when President Hoover chose him as his running mate for the upcoming election on the Republican ticket!
This historic decision made Curtis the first and only Native American Vice President of the United States of America - truly an amazing feat! During his tenure in office, Curtis continued advocating for Native Americans through legislation such as The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 which sought to improve economic conditions on reservations by providing land grants and credit programs for tribal members.
Though his time in office was shorter than most VPs', Curtis left behind an incredible legacy that still reverberates today! By breaking barriers within politics and raising awareness about issues impacting Native American communities, he has become an inspiration to all Indigenous peoples around the world who strive to make positive change. Indeed, we owe much gratitude towards this brave man who paved the way for others like him!