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The Women's National Indian Association is founded by white women.

1881

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The association is focused on "redeeming the sins" committed against Native people. It is founded by white women who have been impacted by the abolition movement and look for similar reforms impacting Native people. By 1887, there will be over 100 Women's National Indian Association (WNIA) auxiliaries across the U.S.

This reform work will set the stage for white liberal patronization in subsequent decades, asserting solutions "on behalf of" Native people while often unraveling tribal sovereignty in the process. This large cultural reform force will be part of the development of broader social work practices in later years.