Member-only story

Wilma Mankiller: A Summary of Her Life and Legacy

Robert Louis Stevenson

·11.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Summary Of Wilma Mankiller Michael Wallis S Mankiller

4 min read · 1 week before

412 View Claps

65 Respond

Save

Listen

Wilma Mankiller, The First Female Chief Of The Cherokee Nation Summary Of Wilma Mankiller Michael Wallis S Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller was a groundbreaking figure in American history. As the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, she shattered barriers and became a powerful advocate for Native American rights. Her life and work continue to inspire people today.

Summary of Wilma Mankiller & Michael Wallis's Mankiller

by Thomas S. Hischak

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1435 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	53 pages

Early Life and Education

Wilma Pearl Mankiller was born on November 18, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Charlie Mankiller, a full-blood Cherokee, and Mary Jones, a white woman. Wilma's parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather in a rural area of Oklahoma.

Wilma attended public schools in Oklahoma and later earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Northeastern State University. After graduating, she worked as a social worker for the Cherokee Nation and later became involved in tribal politics.

Leadership of the Cherokee Nation

In 1985, Wilma Mankiller was elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation. She served in this role for two years before being elected chief in 1987. As chief, Wilma focused on improving the lives of Cherokee citizens. She worked to create jobs, expand healthcare and education programs, and protect the tribe's natural resources.

Wilma Mankiller was a strong advocate for tribal sovereignty. She believed that the Cherokee Nation should have the right to govern itself and make its own laws. She also worked to build relationships with other Native American tribes and with the federal government.

Activism and Legacy

In addition to her work as chief, Wilma Mankiller was also an active advocate for Native American rights. She served on the board of directors for the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund. She also spoke out against discrimination and poverty in Indian Country.

Wilma Mankiller's legacy is one of leadership, activism, and perseverance. She was a trailblazing figure who broke down barriers and made a lasting impact on the Cherokee Nation and the United States.

Summary of Wilma Mankiller's Key Accomplishments

First female chief of the Cherokee Nation
Improved the lives of Cherokee citizens by creating jobs, expanding healthcare and education programs, and protecting the tribe's natural resources
Strong advocate for tribal sovereignty
Active advocate for Native American rights
Served on the board of directors for the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund
Spoke out against discrimination and poverty in Indian Country

Wilma Mankiller was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the Cherokee Nation and to the United States. Her life and work are an inspiration to us all.

Summary of Wilma Mankiller & Michael Wallis's Mankiller

by Thomas S. Hischak

5 out of 5