Owanah P. Anderson (1926–2017) was a Choctaw author, administrator, and Indigenous rights activist who dedicated her life to improving the social, educational, and economic standing of Native Americans. She was particularly focused on the advancement of Indigenous women, working across various professional roles to expand their access to quality healthcare, higher education, and career opportunities.
Anderson is perhaps best recognized for her extensive leadership within the Episcopal Church, where she directed the office of Native American Ministries. In this capacity, she became a key figure in addressing the historical and contemporary relationship between Christian denominations and Indigenous communities. Her work aimed to empower Native Episcopalians and integrate their perspectives into the church's broader mission and governance.
As a writer, Anderson documented the history of these ecclesiastical relationships. Her major published works include Jamestown Commitment: The Episcopal Church and the American Indian and 400 Years: Anglican/Episcopal Mission Among American Indians. In addition to these books, she co-authored several other publications and reports, leaving behind a significant literary and historical legacy that bridged faith, activism, and Indigenous advocacy.
