The societal conditions influencing indigenous activists like Suzan Shown Harjo included the ongoing challenges of colonization and cultural erasure. Growing up in a time when Native American rights were largely overlooked, these activists were motivated by a desire to reclaim and protect their cultural heritage. Harjo’s advocacy work emphasized the importance of recognition and representation for indigenous peoples in the face of systemic oppression. Her efforts to promote native rights and the preservation of tradition reflect broader movements to address injustices faced by indigenous communities, fostering awareness and respect for their histories and cultures.