Join this celebration of Ada Deer ’57, former assistant secretary of Indian affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior and head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, as she is recognized for her accomplishments, advocacy, and time at UW–Madison. She also will discuss her new memoir, Making a Difference: My Fight for Native Rights and Social Justice, with book contributor Theda Perdue, professor emerita at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The conversation will be moderated by Professor and Director of American Indian Studies, Larry Nesper. The book recounts Deer’s life, from growing up in poverty on the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin and earning degrees in social work, to running for Congress and serving as the assistant secretary of Indian affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Today, Deer remains deeply committed to human rights and social justice.

Both Deer and Perdue will be available for book signings during a reception following the discussion, and the book will be available for purchase at this event. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go toward the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program in Ada Deer’s name.

This program is sponsored by the Sandra G. Sponem Alumni Park Signature Program Series Fund.

Complimentary refreshments and a cash bar will be available. This event is free and open to all, but registration by November 18 is required.

Can’t attend the event in person? There will be a live stream from PBS Wisconsin available for viewing that can be accessed at the time of the event.

Questions? Contact McKenzie Zdrale ’00 at mckenzie.zdrale@supportuw.org or 608-294-0091

UW–Madison Presents: Ada Deer — Making a Difference