"Running Moccasins") (July 12, 1932 – May 23, 2003) was an activist who has successfully challenged the legal treatment of Native American remains.
Her actions led to her being called "the Founding Mother of the modern Indian repatriation movement" and "the Rosa Parks of NAGPRA".
Maria continued to meet with legislators, archaeologists, anthropologists, physical anthropologists, and other tribal members, which led to the passage of the Iowa Burials Protection Act of 1976,[4] the first legislative act in the U.S. that specifically protected Native American remains.
[6] Maria was also nominated twice for a Nobel Peace Prize for her substantial contributions toward the protection and repatriation of Native American remains.
Pearson had six children: Robert, Michael, Eldon, Ronald, Richard, and Darlene, and 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.