Born: November 18, 1945 (Tahlequah, Oklahoma)
Biography:
Wilma Pearl Mankiller was a trailblazing Native American activist, social worker, and community developer. Born on November 18, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she belonged to the Cherokee Nation. Wilma spent her early years living on her family’s allotment in Adair County, Oklahoma, until the age of 11 when her family relocated to San Francisco as part of a federal government program aimed at urbanizing Native Americans.
In San Francisco, Wilma faced the challenges of assimilation and cultural displacement. However, she also witnessed the social and political movements of the 1960s, which ignited her passion for activism. Inspired by the struggle for civil rights and indigenous rights, Mankiller became actively involved in the Occupation of Alcatraz, a movement that aimed to reclaim Native American land. This experience fueled her commitment to fighting for the rights of her people.
Continuing her activism, Wilma participated in the land and compensation struggles with the Pit River Tribe. These experiences allowed her to gain insight into the political and social issues faced by Native American communities. Deeply affected by witnessing her people’s struggles, she decided to dedicate her life to making a positive impact.
In the early 1970s, Wilma worked as a social worker, focusing on children’s issues. Her compassionate and dedicated approach made a lasting impression on the communities she served.
Returning to Oklahoma in 1976, Mankiller shared her expertise with the Cherokee Nation as an economic stimulus coordinator. Her exceptional skills as a grant writer propelled her career, and she eventually became the director of the Community Development Department. This role allowed her to design and oversee groundbreaking community projects that empowered rural citizens to address their own challenges.
One of Mankiller’s notable accomplishments was her work in Bell, Oklahoma, which was featured in the movie The Cherokee Word for Water. Her efforts there earned her recognition from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which awarded her project in Kenwood with the Certificate of National Merit. Wilma’s exemplary management abilities caught the attention of the incumbent Principal Chief, Ross Swimmer, who invited her to serve as his deputy in the 1983 tribal elections. Their victory marked a historic milestone as Mankiller became the first elected woman to serve as Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
In 1985, when Swimmer joined the federal administration of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wilma was elevated to the position of Principal Chief. Her tenure as Principal Chief from 1985 to 1995 was marked by transformative leadership. Under her guidance, the Cherokee government built new health clinics, established a mobile eye-care clinic, and developed ambulance services. Mankiller also spearheaded the creation of early education, adult education, and job training programs, ensuring the continued growth and development of her community.
Mankiller was not just invested in improving the lives of her people but also in securing the Cherokee Nation’s financial independence. She implemented various revenue-generating initiatives, including the establishment of factories, retail stores, restaurants, and bingo operations. These ventures enabled the tribe to exercise self-governance and manage their own finances.
Upon retiring from politics, Wilma returned to her role as an activist and advocate. With the goal of improving the image of Native Americans and combating the misappropriation of native heritage, she authored the bestselling autobiography Mankiller: A Chief and Her People. Through her writings and numerous lectures on health care and tribal sovereignty, she aimed to educate and inspire others to work towards positive change.
Wilma Mankiller’s unwavering dedication to her people and her relentless pursuit of social justice earned her widespread respect and admiration. As the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she broke barriers and left an indelible mark on women’s history. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to fight for equality and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Awards:
– Certificate of National Merit – Department of Housing and Urban Development (received for her project in Kenwood, Oklahoma)