This essay argues for the significance of Native American women in traditional times and also in modern societies. The most significant acts of the U.S. government such as the Indian Removal Act, the Indian Act of 1876 and the Act of 1951 will be discussed too because these had an effect on native societies. Some emphasis will be on the oppression of Native American women and their fight against it: on the possibilities to resist and on women activism. Moreover, the traditional and modern roles of native women will be discussed with the help of one of Erdrich’s greatest novel, The Crown of Columbus. In the end we will get a clear image of native women in ancient and modern times and their importance in the survival of native tribes will not be questioned.