Mary Collins (missionary)

Mary Collins (1846-1920) was an American Congregational missionary and activist who dedicated over three decades of her life to serving the Dakota people in what is now North Dakota.

Born in Alton, Illinois, Collins felt a calling to missionary work from a young age. After graduating from Rockford Female Seminary (now Rockford University), she initially worked with the American Home Missionary Society. In 1875, she arrived at Oahe Mission on the Missouri River in Dakota Territory, where she became deeply involved in the lives of the local Dakota communities, particularly among the Standing Rock Sioux.

Collins learned the Dakota language fluently and became a skilled translator and interpreter. She focused on education and religious instruction, establishing schools and churches. Unlike some missionaries who sought to assimilate Native Americans entirely, Collins advocated for a more respectful approach that valued Dakota culture and traditions while introducing Christianity. She often found herself in conflict with government policies and other missionaries who promoted forced assimilation.

Collins was a vocal critic of government corruption and mistreatment of Native Americans, particularly concerning broken treaties and land rights. She testified before Congress on several occasions, advocating for just treatment and protection of Dakota interests. She was a strong advocate for Indian rights and challenged the dominant societal views of Native Americans as uncivilized.

After leaving Oahe Mission, she continued her advocacy work, writing extensively and speaking publicly on behalf of Native American rights. Mary Collins' legacy is complex; while her work was undeniably influenced by her own religious beliefs and cultural background, she is remembered for her commitment to the Dakota people, her efforts to preserve their culture, and her courageous advocacy against injustice.