Mary C. Collins
1846-1920

A teacher and missionary to the Sioux, Mary Collins came to Oahe Mission, Dakota Territory, from Illinois in 1875. After ten years, she moved to Standing Rock Agency and lived with the Indians, including Sitting Bull's band.

Collins learned the Sioux language and culture and, as a missionary, endeavored to teach the Indians how to live well, serve God, and become self-supporting. A prolific writer, lecturer, and proponent of Indian human rights, she was active in national reform movements and groups.

Collins advised her wary but respectful friend, Sitting Bull, to stop the Ghost Dance. After his death, she helped the Indians in their land negotiations.

A more detailed profile is printed in Volume 7 Number 1 of South Dakota History, the journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.