Fascinating Fridays — Wilma Mankiller: An Inspiring Leader in the Fight for Indigenous Rights
Written by Celine Chin, Editor at Hera.co
Edited by Sky Ounarom, Editor Lead at Hera.co
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As the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller led an exceptional and inspiring life as an activist for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Her contributions to the betterment of Indigenous communities are substantial, including enhancing the Cherokee health care system and developing community-oriented policies that have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals.
Wilma was born in 1945 in Oklahoma with the last name “Mankiller”, which is derived from a high military rank held by one of her ancestors. The name also carries the meaning of “caretaker” or “protector” of the Cherokee people.
At the age of 12, Wilma’s family was forced to move from Cherokee lands to California due to a series of bills passed from 1946 to the 1960s that aimed to sell Native American lands and terminate government support for tribes. This policy led to the closure of schools and clinics in Indigenous territories. The “Indian Relocation Act of 1956,” was one of the bills that encouraged indigenous peoples to leave their communities and settle in urban areas, in hope of finding better employment opportunities. This Act, however, caused them to face unemployment, discrimination, and detachment from their cultural roots, as they left behind the communities where they used to practice their culture and traditions.
While in California, Wilma studied sociology and worked as a social worker. She actively participated in the Native American Rights movement in 1969. This movement involved a protest at Alcatraz Island to demand the government to reverse the assimilatory bills that were passed, and to start a cultural center and school on the island for them. Manikller collaborated with several notable activists, including Richard Oakes from the Mohawk tribe, who assisted in organizing the 19-month long protest. Mankiller was an active volunteer in the Indigenous community while in California.
Wilma eventually moved back to Oklahoma in 1975 where she reclaimed her family’s farm, which was granted to her grandfather due to a settlement when the government forced his tribe to relocate. In 1977, she took on the position of economic stimulus coordinator for the Cherokee Nation. She started many initiatives to improve healthcare, housing, education, and water supply for the Cherokee Nation’s rural areas. The successful implementation of this project required the coordination of numerous volunteers and funding, which led to Mankiller’s recognition and admiration within the Cherokee Nation.
Mankiller’s predecessor, Ross Swimmer, requested Mankiller to run for the position of Deputy Principal Cherokee Chief when he was running for the position of Principal Chief in 1983. They both won the election and when Swimmer left his position to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1985, Mankiller took over as the next Principal Chief. She won the next two elections by a majority of 83% in 1991 and held this position until 1995. During her tenure, she collaborated with the federal government to advocate for her tribe’s rights and served a Cherokee population that had doubled in size. She and her administration worked on various initiatives such as lowering high unemployment rates, improving educational opportunities by enhancing the Head Start program (a program that helped prepare young Cherokee children for school), and promoting healthcare by establishing three rural health centers and a center for drug abuse prevention. Additionally, Mankiller played a pivotal role in establishing the Cherokee Nation Community Development Department and The Office of Tribal Justice in the U.S. Department of Justice.
Wilma’s tireless efforts and dedication to the Cherokee people earned her numerous honors, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1994. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in 1998. Wilma’s life is commemorated in her memoir, Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, and a documentary named Mankiller. Her legacy as a leader and role model for Indigenous peoples continues to inspire and uplift those who seek to follow in her footsteps.
Wilma Mankiller’s life and legacy stand as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Indigenous people. Her unwavering commitment to her nation and culture, along with her inspiring leadership and dedication, have left an indelible mark on the Cherokee people and serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come. Everything she has accomplished will forever leave a mark on the Cherokee nation. Wilma Mankiller passed away on April 6, 2010, but she will continue to live in the hearts of the Indigenous people being the person who helped them “restore faith in themselves” (Mankiller, 1993) and their traditions. Mankiller’s impact on the world will never be forgotten, and her memory will continue to inspire women and leaders everywhere to strive for a better tomorrow.
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