Chief Earth Woman

Chief Earth Woman is an Ojibwe woman born around 1878 near Waterloo, Ohio, under the name of Byrtha Snyder (also recorded as Snider or Snidow).^[1] In 1893, she met her husband known as "White Owl" whom she met at a young age. Throughout her life she travelled often between Ohio and Michigan. In Ohio she resided in a place known as "Old Man's Cave" which now known as Hocking Hills State Park.

Chief Earth Woman was influential on the battle field for the Ojibwe through spiritual distinction. She claimed to possess manito kazo (the ability to communicate with supernatural powers through dreams) a gift that allowed her to lead the Ojibwe through battle.^[2] This spiritual power is not only symbolic, but allowed for her to predict the movements of the Sioux.^[3] She shared these visions with Ojibwe war leaders to guide the military efforts protecting her fellow warriors while offering direction into victory.

Unlike many Ojibwe warrior women who joined the arms out of necessity Chief Earth Woman chose the path of becoming a warrior on her own will. Her original motivation for joining was due to a romantic interest in her future husband, White Owl.^[2] However, the personal motivation soon turned into something beyond herself. Together her and White Owl killed 3 Sioux men, and secured a victory for the Ojibwe.

Chief Earth Woman's success on the battlefield earned her the respect of her male peers. She scalped an enemy Sioux, which was met with celebration. her fellow warriors sang in her honor, praising her for "bringing home a Sioux head". In recognition of her bravery and resilience, she was awarded feathers, the same honors given to male warriors. She became one of the very few woman to direct a war command, and receive recognition for it.^[2]