Kateri Tekakwitha was a Native American woman born in 1656 in what is now New York. She belonged to the Mohawk tribe and was the daughter of a Mohawk chief. After losing her family to smallpox, she was raised by her uncle and later converted to Christianity at the age of 19. Kateri faced challenges due to her faith but remained devoted to her beliefs. Kateri Tekakwitha is known for her deep spirituality and commitment to a life of prayer and service. She moved to a Jesuit mission in Canada, where she lived a life of simplicity and helped others. Kateri was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2012, becoming the first Native American saint.