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Research Conducted By: Estrella Rochin Figueroa
Introduction
Introduction
Helen Magpali Frelatspa, born on June 19th, 1953, was only 24 years old when she served as a delegate to the 1977 National Women’s Conference (NWC) in Houston, Texas during the International Women’s Year in 1977. Helen Magpali was elected by the California Coordinating Committee to be one of the 96 delegates to represent California at the NWC. Being of Indian descent, she brought her diversity and advocated for the rights of minorities.
Early Life
Early Life
Magpali grew up in the County of Orange and attended primary school through high school in the City of Santa Ana. After graduating from high school, she moved on to study medicine in the Medical Explorers Academy- a program that provides students with an opportunity to increase their healthcare experience through hands-on learning. Magpali then pursued graduate school at the University of California, Irvine where she earned her masters degree. The remainder of her adult life she lived in the City of Anaheim where she still resides.
Education & Activism
Education & Activism
Magpali’s interest in political activism is apparent in her history of community involvement. During her time as a student at Medical Explorers, she attended to the clinical needs of local residents. She was also involved at various University events educating youth and delivering speeches; she was featured as a guest speaker in a UCI mini-conference with a focus on Indigenous women's issues. In addition, she held an advocate position as a member of the American Indian Outreach Program (AIO)- a program designed to support Indigenous students. Moreover, Magpali participated in the National Organization for Women (NOW)- a non-profit American feminist organization that strives for feminist ideals in social, political, and economic structures.
IWC Delegate Focus
IWC Delegate Focus
At the NWC, Magpali spoke for the Native American Caucus alongside the Orange County group: that included three native americans, one black woman, a chicana, and two asian americans. Her caucus opposed shifts in policy, such as, less funding for child care and pregnancy support, that infringed women's rights and most adversely those of Women of Color. Additionally, they advocated for American Indian tribal sovereignty and Indian Reservation and its Preservation (Bennett, November 10, 1977). Furthermore, one of their main concerns was to help pass the Minority Women Resolution- a resolution that acknowledges the double discrimination that minority women can face such as immigration, and limited access to health care benefits.
Pictured above is part of the list of elected IWC California delegates.
(Magpali's name appears 9th to last)
Closing
Closing
Although Magpali was hopeful of the political activism from women demonstrated in the conference, she also voiced her concerns that the work was not over and more change was needed. When asked how the “Minority Women Resolution” could actually be implemented, she stated,
"Further actions as a caucus will be necessary. This was only the beginning"
"Further actions as a caucus will be necessary. This was only the beginning"
- Helen Magpali, The Militant Newspaper (1977)
References
References
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