Viola Cordova

Viola Cordova (October 20, 1937 – November 2, 2002) was a philosopher, artist, author, and a member of the Jicarilla Apache tribe. She is recognized as one of the first Native American women to earn a PhD in philosophy. Born in Taos, New Mexico, Cordova's heritage included both Jicarilla Apache and Hispanic ancestry. She pursued higher education, earning her bachelor's degree from Idaho State University and subsequently her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in philosophy from the University of New Mexico. Throughout her career, Cordova was a dedicated advocate for Indigenous voices in academia. She served as a co-editor of the American Philosophical Association's *Newsletter on American Indians in Philosophy* from its establishment in 2001 until her passing. Her work emphasized the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives, as noted by Nicholas Shrubsole. Following her death, the University of New Mexico established an annual lecture series in her honor, recognizing her lasting impact on the field of philosophy and her role in advancing Native American scholarship. Her doctoral dissertation, "The concept of monism in Navajo thought," and her master's thesis, "Conceptual frameworks as a source of cultural distinctions," highlight her engagement with comparative philosophy and Indigenous epistemologies. Her published works also include "How It Is: A Native American Creation Story" and "Who We Are: An Exploration of Identity."