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Wilma Mankiller
Wilma Mankiller, born November 18, 1945 was an activist for the Native Amirian people and Women’s rights.  Elected as the very first female leader of a major Native American tribe.  Chief Mankiller won her candidacy with the respect of the Cherokee Nation although there were several who opposed due to her being a female.  Unfortunately, during her campaign, Wilma Mankiller had suffered death threats along with her tires slashed by those who were not well-wishers.  Her mission was to bring self-sufficiency to her people of the Cherokee Nation.  She held the title as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma which consisted of over 140,000 members.  Her unique last name “Mankiller”, came from an old military title that was given to the person in charge of protecting the village.  Chief ManKiller lived on the land that was allotted to her grandfather, John Mankiller.  Mr. Mankiller obtained the allotted land after Oklahoma had become a state in 1907.   

As the Chief, she fulfilled numerous Cherokee Community projects to better her Nation.   Projects that created horticultural and plant establishments that her Nation would be able to not only work but own as well.  She was a true believer of being self-sufficient and had the desire and will to teach her people how to prosper in life.  Along with Chief Mankillers help the people were able to establish the Bell community of Oklahoma that consisted of running water as well as a hydroelectric facility.  These establishments increased the population of the Cherokee Nation. 

The passing of Chief Wilma Mankiller on April 6, 2010 from pancreatic cancer not only saddened her family but also her Cherokee Nation.  Her lost is felt by all with in the Cherokee Nation.  Chief Mankiller will always be known as a spiritual force within the Cherokee Nation that helped restore the faith within her Cherokee Nation. 


Work Cited:
http://www.powersource.com/gallery/people/wilma.html
http://www.42explore2.com/native3.htm

https://www.lib.umich.edu/online-exhibits/exhibits/show/great-native-american-chiefs/group-of-native-american-chief/chief--wilma-mankiller

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 12, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    great information. She truly was amazing. Not only the first female chief, she really brought great strength, unity and commitment to bettering her nation. It is so interesting to see all that she accomplished. I love that she increased the population with the introduction of running water and hydroelectric facility. Wilma definitely helped keep the next generation going!

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  2. Gary HogateJune 14, 2017 at 5:27 PM

    Thank you for sharing. I truly had no idea that a female was ever elected as the Tribal Chief. In this modern era, I think women still suffer with inequality but even more so in Native American society. I was impressed how you were able to link her name to history and the many works that she completed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 18, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I found myself truly inspired by the article that you referenced. The Determination that Wilma Mankiller faced despite the threats that she received, as well as the vandalize that you mentioned in your post she continue forward without ever giving into fear or giving up. What a courageous and noble woman . Thank you again for sharing this . I am truly inspired.

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