Mary Francis Thompson Fisher (1895–1995), known by her stage name, Te Ata, became the first person ever declared an “Oklahoma Treasure” in 1987. The distinction was conferred in recognition of sixty years of performances and storytelling that unfolded American Indian folklore and culture before a range of audiences and her indefatigable advocacy for Native and indigenous art and culture.
Richard Green’s extensively researched biography of Te Ata is presented here in a special collector’s edition featuring additional photographs from her family’s collection.