Fertile Land: European Sexual Conquest and Contemporary Native American Women’s Experiences.
Location
Ponderosa Room B
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Women, Gender, Sexuality, Indigenous Studies
Start Date
6-3-2026 11:15 AM
Event Sort Order
24
Abstract
Sexual conquest and colonization performed in the name of Christianity have continually exploited Native American women. Continuously, European colonial powers have been used to create forms of inequity that have affected Indigenous women. From as early as the 16th century, images of “The New World” were produced. One would either see the “evil” Indigenous woman naked holding the head of a white settler, or an attractive woman sitting on top of food and gold. The former image represented a woman in desperate need of Christianity, while the latter represented the fertility of the land, its resources, and the women themselves. Both of these images were used as strategic tools in sexual conquest and colonization. This colonial rhetoric was carefully constructed propaganda to sexualize Native Women to encourage settlers to come to “The New World.” In the present day, Native American women experience the highest levels of sexual violence of any racial group in The United States. This interpretive work examines Christian colonial ideas and how such ideas contributed to the exploitation of Native women. This research uses comparative work of both primary and secondary sources through a feminist and queer studies research approach that considers intersectionality and cultural constructions. The results of this research reinterpret Christian colonial rhetoric that allow for a clearer understanding of the modern view of Native American women and the inequities they face.
Fertile Land: European Sexual Conquest and Contemporary Native American Women’s Experiences.
Ponderosa Room B
Sexual conquest and colonization performed in the name of Christianity have continually exploited Native American women. Continuously, European colonial powers have been used to create forms of inequity that have affected Indigenous women. From as early as the 16th century, images of “The New World” were produced. One would either see the “evil” Indigenous woman naked holding the head of a white settler, or an attractive woman sitting on top of food and gold. The former image represented a woman in desperate need of Christianity, while the latter represented the fertility of the land, its resources, and the women themselves. Both of these images were used as strategic tools in sexual conquest and colonization. This colonial rhetoric was carefully constructed propaganda to sexualize Native Women to encourage settlers to come to “The New World.” In the present day, Native American women experience the highest levels of sexual violence of any racial group in The United States. This interpretive work examines Christian colonial ideas and how such ideas contributed to the exploitation of Native women. This research uses comparative work of both primary and secondary sources through a feminist and queer studies research approach that considers intersectionality and cultural constructions. The results of this research reinterpret Christian colonial rhetoric that allow for a clearer understanding of the modern view of Native American women and the inequities they face.
Presenter Bio
Sarah Wilson (they/them) is a student, researcher, and advocate currently pursuing a BA in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The University of Central Oklahoma. They work as the co-manager at The Women's Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center, where they've also served as the volunteer coordinator and social media manager. Sarah's academic research has explored queer temporalities, media representation, and the intersections of Indigenous and reproductive rights. Their work has been presented nationally and regionally at conferences, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the International Gender and Sexuality Studies. Elsewhere on campus, Sarah has served as The UCO Student Association Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and currently serves as the president of The National Organization for Women. Sarah is an active community organizer and has coordinated events, including the annual Big Gay Chili Cook-off. They are also a published writer and research assistant for Dr. Lindsey Churchill's forthcoming book, "My Body is a Manifesto: Joy, Pleasure, Eroticism, and Activism on the Queer Plains, 1970s-2000s." When they have free time, they usually can be found spending time with friends and family, or antiquing around Oklahoma City.