BIO Cheryl Ann Angel

Cheryl Angel, born in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, is a respected Indigenous leader, Lakota woman, and lifelong water protector. A member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) tribe and mother of five, Cheryl has dedicated her life to activism, environmental justice, and the preservation of Indigenous rights and spiritual traditions.

Her leadership emerged prominently during the nonviolent resistance to the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, particularly through her involvement at Standing Rock beginning in April 2016. Cheryl brought a unique depth to frontline activism by integrating deep prayer with nonviolent direct action, leading two major women-led initiatives that emphasized unity, sacredness, and ancestral strength.

On July 3, 2020, Cheryl joined a significant blockade at Mount Rushmore in protest of Donald Trump’s visit, calling attention to the spiritual importance of the Black Hills and the ongoing violation of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. Her peaceful resistance continues to highlight the call for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental respect.

Cheryl Angel’s unwavering spirit and deep-rooted leadership inspire communities across generations. She exemplifies a harmonious relationship with the Earth, standing as a beacon for those seeking justice, balance, and collective healing in a time of global ecological and social crisis.