The First Sioux Nun: Sister Marie-Josephine Nebraska, SGM, 1859-1894

The First Sioux Nun by Sister Mary Ione Hilger is a moving biographical study of Sister Marie-Josephine Nebraska (1859–1894), the first Native American woman of the Sioux nation to take religious vows within the Catholic Church. Hilger tells the story of a young woman whose faith, perseverance, and dedication bridged two worlds: the traditions of her people and the commitments of her chosen religious vocation.

The book traces Sister Marie-Josephine's early life in Nebraska, her entry into the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (SGM), and her years of service in education and ministry. Hilger portrays her not only as a pioneer of faith but also as a cultural figure whose life reflected both the challenges and possibilities of Native American participation in Catholic religious life during the 19th century. Against a backdrop of rapid social change, displacement, and missionary activity, Sister Marie-Josephine's journey embodies resilience, humility, and devotion.

 Drawing on archival records, oral traditions, and church documents, Hilger presents a sensitive narrative that honors Sister Marie-Josephine's legacy while also offering readers a window into the complex relationship between Native communities and Catholic institutions. The First Sioux Nun is at once a biography, a work of cultural history, and a tribute to a woman who lived with deep conviction in the face of adversity.