'She Is A Legend': Barbie Doll Created In Honor Of Osage Nation Ballerina Maria Tallchief

To some people, it may just be a doll. But for the Osage Nation, it represents something more important.

“Today's a big day. They couldn’t have made a better selection in Maria,” said Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. 

Maria Tallchief is the first indigenous woman to earn the highest rank in ballet: prima ballerina.

Monday, she is celebrated as a groundbreaking figure in both ballet and Native American history with the launch of a Barbie doll in her likeness.

Maria joins a lineup of trailblazers in the “Barbie Inspiring Women” series like Amelia Earhart, Misty Copeland and Ida B. Wells.

The doll is fashioned with Maria as "Firebird," the role that catapulted her into stardom.

“She is a legend,” said her daughter, Elise Paschen, who worked closely with Mattel on the Barbie doll.

She says despite the fame, her mother always stayed rooted in her heritage.

“Her pride of the Osage Nation was instilled in me,” she said.

Chief Standing Bear hopes the doll encourages people to explore and understand the tribe's culture.

“To find out that we have a Barbie now that is Native American, Osage, is quite an accomplishment for everyone,” he said. 

Elise believes it will inspire others to embrace their potential.

“I hope that this doll will help inspire children, young girls, boys across the world to discover and pursue their own passions,” she said. 

And though Maria is no longer here, the doll will help people who never got to meet her understand her story. 

For more information about where to buy the doll, click here.