M5 Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected to serve as Chief of the Cherokee nation, is a community activist that champions the cause of the Indigenous people.  In the video, Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People, Wilma explains that there are over 20 tribal governments in Arizona alone and that these tribal governments cooperate with local governments and businesses on a variety of issues such as health, education, environmental, infrastructure, and other issues.  These tribal governments do not conduct their work in a vacuum but they partner with non-native governments to build infrastructure projects, housing, and other programs.  She speaks of the how the Indigenous people are as familiar with the land, rivers, and seas as they are with their own mothers; that they have deep beliefs of the interdependence of all living things which leads to the Indigenous people leading the charge to protect Mother Earth and all living things on it as it is Mother Earth who provides us with food, medications, security, and so much more.

There are 100’s of Indigenous celebrations that express thanksgiving for the gifts of nature and seasonal changes which remind these people of the responsibilities for each other and to the land.  Traditional stories embody the collective memory of the people and prophesies of the end of the world when people forget about their connectivity to the earth and responsibilities of taking care of it.  She states, “the difference between Indigenous people and non-indigenous people is that Indigenous people are constantly reminded of their connection to the land by their stories and ceremonies; that they remain close to the land not only in the way they live but in their hearts and in the way the view the world” (Mankiller).

This video along with others such as the “We’re Still Here” series are very informative as to specific Indigenous people’s perspectives.   By reviewing the scholarly articles and videos, I was able to get a far different perspective than what I learned growing up.

Works Cited:
Mankiller, Wilma. Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People. 2008. Arizona State University Libraries. Web. Accessed 16-Aug-2017 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K_rVUmV7Y8&feature=youtu.be

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  1. AnonymousAugust 21, 2017 at 5:14 PM

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    1. AnonymousAugust 21, 2017 at 5:17 PM

      I just finished reading your post and I to am moving forward in my life and from this course with a much deeper appreciation for Native Americans, and their culture. I only wish that I as a non-native white person I would have received this insight and education when I was younger. Of course the information, and education regarding Native Americans would have had to be age appropriately for young children. But it is time that we start learning and not trying to cover up our mistakes of the past. It is my opinion that we need to shine a bright light on those mistakes of our ancestors so that we never forget the mistakes that were made, we never minimize the effects of what we did and the people that we did it to. All with the purpose of never allowing such mistakes it to happen again to another group of people (ASU Libraries).
      As I learned in a Diversity class there is such power in diversity we have so much to learn, and benefit from one another.

      Works Cited
      ASU Libraries. "Wilma Mankiller: Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People." 10 December 2013. You Tube. 21 August 2017. .



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