Lurie, Nancy O. (1924–)

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Lurie, Nancy O. (1924–)

American sociocultural anthropologist. Name variations: Nancy Oestreich. Born Nancy Oestreich on Jan 29, 1924, in Milwaukee, WI; dau. of Carl Ralph Oestreich (professor of engineering at University of Wisconson-Milwaukee) and Rayline (Danielson) Oestreich; University of Wisconsin-Madison, BA, 1945; University of Chicago, MA; Northwestern University, PhD; m. Edward Lurie (div. 1963); no children.

Known particularly for studies of Winnebago Indians of WI, was an expert witness for Indian petitioners before the US Indian Claims Commission (beginning 1954); served in various positions at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, including full professor (from 1966) and chair of anthropology department (1967–70); with June Helm, worked with Dogrib in Canadian Northwest Territories (1959, 1962, 1967); became curator and head of anthropology section of Milwaukee Public Museum (1972); elected president of American Anthropological Association (1982); wrote Mountain Wolf Woman (1961).

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