Contents
Wilma Mankiller
Becoming the first woman to lead the Cherokee Nation as principal chief.
Bell water project · Community development
- Born
- 18 November 1945
- Birthplace
- Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States
- Died
- 6 April 2010
More people
Wilma Mankiller
Wilma Mankiller was a Cherokee leader whose work centred on community development, self-government and practical improvements in daily life.
Early life
Oklahoma childhood
Grew up on her family’s allotment before a federal relocation programme took them to San Francisco.
Activist beginnings
Was influenced by Native organising, including the occupation of Alcatraz.
Career
- 1976 onward
Return to Oklahoma
Worked on Cherokee community-development projects.
- 1983
Deputy chief
Was elected deputy principal chief.
- 1985–1995
Principal chief
Became chief and subsequently won elections to the office.
Contributions
Bell water project
Helped a rural community build its own water system.
Community development
Expanded services and supported Cherokee self-determination.
Mankiller
Published a memoir with Michael Wallis.
Beyond public office
Health
Spoke openly about serious health challenges throughout her life.
Recognition
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Valerie Red-Horse (Director). CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
