As
part of the Indigenous Government Database, Wilma Mankiller provides an
informative interview where she talks about many different aspects of tribal
life, her personal story and her role as the first female chief of the Cherokee
Nation of Oklahoma. Her beginning
statement regarding sovereignty is a perfect place for her to start as it
provides a reminder that before the U.S. government’s involvement in the lives
of tribes, they had sovereignty, meaning they had their own government, their
own constitutions and their own set of rules.
She then speaks of a community deciding for themselves what they want,
“and then have within the community the skills and the ability to make that a
reality.” She touches on this importance
a few times by explaining the effectiveness of asking members of the community
to be actively involved in creating the change they have deemed is necessary
and to give guidance to those who could be effective leaders. Not just by their words, but by their actions
and in some situations using their physical activity to create necessary
improvements, as in the laying of a new pipeline.
She
reminds us that the Cherokee and other nations have moved on from the
devastating effects of initial annihilation, assimilation and relocation. They always made the decision to begin to
create lives for themselves again but of course, not without challenges. Her own life story reflects her desire to
understand the feelings she was experiencing about her Native history and her
decision to become an activist and then eventual leader. Her focus as a leader was on many things but
most importantly working to improve her nation’s government, educational
system, health care and women’s rights.
I
was sorry to see that she had passed. It
seems just when I become interested in a historical figure, I find that they
have passed. I am sure that she has left
a wonderful example for future leaders to follow.
Hi Alicia,
ReplyDeleteWilma Mankiller certainly spoke of greatness. She was a strong figure who helped change the course of the Cherokee Nation. Upon reading up on her I found out that she was considered as a candidate to brace the $20 bill. She was placed on the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and Indian country today related that under her direction, the social and economic methods she used in leading her community made the Cherokee Nation a role model for other nations.
“Remembering Modern Cherokees’First Female Chief, Wilma Mankiller.” Indian country today Media Network.com. N.p., n.d. web.25 June 2016
Hi Alicia,
ReplyDeleteWilma Mankiller certainly spoke of greatness. She was a strong figure who helped change the course of the Cherokee Nation. Upon reading up on her I found out that she was considered as a candidate to brace the $20 bill. She was placed on the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and Indian country today related that under her direction, the social and economic methods she used in leading her community made the Cherokee Nation a role model for other nations.
“Remembering Modern Cherokees’First Female Chief, Wilma Mankiller.” Indian country today Media Network.com. N.p., n.d. web.25 June 2016
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI also really appreciated the way she spoke of sovereignty as something we had from the beginning...and though there are times that our nation has struggled, we have never lost hope of reinstating our own government. This reminder that native nations were (and always have been in spirit) sovereign not because some outside force gave this to us but because this was simply the way we developed ourselves. This sovereignty has been deeply bruised, but Wilma Mankiller's hopeful voice in pointing out our resiliency and ability to rebuild is very encouraging. I hope the Cherokee nation's sovereignty and that of other nations, as well as pan-indian sovereignty shines more and more powerfully.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your feeling of sadness by the discovery of such an inspirational person, only to learn that they passed recently. But what really gets me, was her constant drive to make a difference in people's lives. I found this article on the AAUW website by Susan Gould. Gould mentions how Wilma was involved in finding Cherokee mentors for Native American girls at Sequoyah High School. The program boosted self-confidence and increased opportunities for children at the boarding school. I don't even think can begin to know the tremendous scope of her legacy. She must be sorely missed by everyone she touched.
Chris
http://www.aauw.org/2013/11/20/wilma-mankiller/