Wilma Mankiller’s life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Native Americans. From her humble beginnings in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to becoming the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Mankiller’s journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to improving healthcare, education, and government for her people. This essay explores the significant milestones in Wilma Mankiller’s life, her impact on the Cherokee Nation, and her enduring legacy in the realms of Native American and women’s rights.
Wilma Mankiller’s early life was shaped by her Cherokee heritage and the challenges of growing up in a family that faced discrimination and financial struggles. Born on November 18, 1945, she was the sixth of eleven children to Charley Mankiller and Clara Irene Sitton. Despite her family’s move to San Francisco in the mid-1950s, seeking a better life, they continued to face hardships due to discrimination and financial constraints. Mankiller’s experiences during this time laid the foundation for her future activism and commitment to addressing the socio-economic issues faced by Native American communities.
After returning to Oklahoma in the mid-1970s, Mankiller began working for the government of the Cherokee Indian Nation as a tribal planner and program developer. Her passion for helping her people was further fueled by the activism of Native Americans in the 1960s, particularly the occupation of Alcatraz Island. This pivotal moment inspired Mankiller to empower Native communities, leading her to serve as the director of Oakland’s Native American Youth Center in California.
Mankiller’s commitment to social justice was put to the test in 1979 when she survived a serious car accident. The accident, in which her best friend lost her life, marked the beginning of a period of health challenges for Mankiller, including battling myasthenia gravis. Despite these setbacks, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience, overcoming both the physical and emotional toll of these experiences.
In 1983, Mankiller entered the realm of tribal politics, winning the position of deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her leadership qualities quickly became evident, and in 1985, she made history by becoming the tribe’s principal chief. This groundbreaking achievement made her the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee people. Mankiller’s leadership extended over two full terms, with successful re-elections in 1987 and 1991.
During her tenure as principal chief, Mankiller focused on improving the Cherokee Nation’s government, healthcare, and education systems. Her initiatives resulted in a significant reduction in infant mortality rates and improvements in educational outcomes for the Cherokee people. The expansion of the Head Start program for Cherokee children and the establishment of three rural health centers were among her notable achievements.
Mankiller’s leadership style was characterized by consensus-building and collaboration. She worked with the federal government to pilot a self-government agreement for the Cherokee Nation and collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency on environmental initiatives. Balancing the preservation of Cherokee traditions and customs with the responsibilities of a tribal executive, Mankiller effectively managed a budget that reached $150 million annually by the end of her tenure.
Recognizing the importance of sharing her experiences, Mankiller authored her autobiography, “Mankiller: A Chief and Her People,” in 1993. In this memoir, she provided insights into her journey as a pioneer in tribal government and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Additionally, she edited “Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women” in 2004, further contributing to the representation and empowerment of Indigenous voices.
Beyond her role as chief, Mankiller remained dedicated to activism for Native American and women’s rights after leaving office in 1995. Her contributions were acknowledged with numerous honors, including the Ms. Magazine Woman of the Year in 1987 and the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. President Barack Obama, upon learning of her passing in 2010, highlighted her transformative impact on the relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the federal government.
Wilma Mankiller’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals committed to advocating for Indigenous rights and gender equality. Her influence reaches far beyond the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation, resonating with people across America and beyond. Mankiller’s life story serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fostering resilience, and working collectively for positive change. As we reflect on her enduring impact, it becomes clear that Wilma Mankiller’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Sources:
Biography. (2021, May 18). Wilma Mankiller. Biography. https://www.biography.com/activists/wilma-mankiller
Brando, E. (no date). Wilma Mankiller. National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/wilma-mankiller
Wilson, L. D. (no date). Mankiller, Wilma Pearl (1945-2010). The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=MA013