Story Published:
Apr 6, 2010
Story Updated:
Apr 6, 2010
WASHINGTON – Wilma Mankiller, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, passed away at age 64 in the morning hours of April 6 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mankiller was best known for her leadership of her tribe, at which she served 12 years in elective office, the first two as deputy principal chief followed by 10 years as principal chief.
During her time in office and beyond, she was viewed nationwide as a strong Native American advocate, and had many friends in the women’s rights movement.
Mankiller retired from public office in 1995, but was never far from the public eye, serving as a board member on various organizations, including the Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations nonprofit. She also shared her wisdom at several learning institutions, including the University of Arizona.
Among her many honors, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.
“Our personal and national hearts are heavy with sorrow and sadness with the passing this morning of Wilma Mankiller,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, in a release.
“We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness. When we become disheartened, we will be inspired by remembering how Wilma proceeded undaunted through so many trials and tribulations.
“Years ago, she and her husband Charlie Soap showed the world what Cherokee people can do when given the chance, when they organized the self-help water line in the Bell community. She said Cherokees in that community learned that it was their choice, their lives, their community and their future. Her gift to us is the lesson that our lives and future are for us to decide. We can carry on that Cherokee legacy by teaching our children that lesson. Please keep Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and her daughters, Gina and Felicia, in your prayers.”
Mankiller requested that any gifts in her honor be made as donations to One Fire Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Native American communities.
Tax deductible donations can be made at www.wilmamankiller.com as well as www.onefiredevelopment.org. The mailing address for One Fire Development Corporation is 1220 Southmore Houston, TX 77004.
According to the Cherokee Nation, Mankiller’s memorial service will be held April 11 at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah, Okla.
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S. Gillis-Lavallie said on Monday, Apr 19 at 10:15 AM
I was honored to have her speak at Haskell Indian Junior College (its name then) graduation. I send my heartfrlt sympathy to the family. You always have the memories> Bless you!
41529509NEZPERCE ELDER OF iDAHO said on Sunday, Apr 18 at 5:17 PM
ENOUGH OF MS. MANKILLER, SHE WAS NOT REALLY KNOWN IN THE NORTHWEST, WE JUST READ ABOUT HER. THATS ABOUT ALL WE KNOW OF HER.
41503764T. Ishikawa said on Friday, Apr 16 at 11:49 AM
I had the pleasure of interviewing Wilma Mankiller for an article in a Denver publication in 2006. She was so helpful, friendly, interesting, giving, etc. I truly was honored to have met her, though only by phone and e-mail. I am so sad we have lost her to that terrible life-taker cancer.
41391094Jack Hartley said on Friday, Apr 16 at 11:26 AM
I am essentially white, look white and have always lived in the white culture. But, one of my great, great, great grandmothers was a full-blood Cherokee named Obedience Tyner. As a very long time contributor to NARF, I knew a little about Wilma but only now realize the scope and aimportance of her life. I hope the pain of her loss to her family will be brief and bearable.
41388879WaWeWa Lonewolf said on Friday, Apr 16 at 11:25 AM
Bojo, Wilma. You and your family are in our prayers. I'm glad your suffering is over with. There will never be another woman quite like you. The mold was broken!
41388739Cherr H. said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 10:53 PM
I met Wilma Mankiller at Butler University in Indianapolis at a book signing. She took the time to talk to me and my friends. I found Ms. Mankiller to be a warm individual who enjoyed interacting and sharing her knowledge. The world will miss her.
41358424john bryn said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 9:05 PM
I am a white that hasn't really been involved with Native Americans, but I have heard of Wilma Mankiller, respect her, and grieve her loss for all Native Americans. I sincerely hope that there are many other Native Americans (especially woman) that will step forward and follow her example.
41353364Anna Gibson Neal said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 8:07 PM
I am a Choctaw, Louisiana Native American; one of the five civilized tribes. Wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting you. I read, and heard so much about you.
41351029P. Maupin and Daughters said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 8:03 PM
She was an amazing role model for both my daughters as well as myself.What a special gift from Creator she was and will forever "be" with us on our continued journey here.........
41350867Laura Ortman said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 6:20 PM
ENDLESSLY INSPIRING STORY OF WILMA MANKILLER. MUCH LOVE TO HER FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS.
41345554Beverly Hill said on Thursday, Apr 15 at 6:02 PM
I am so sad to read about Wilma's passing, especially due to cancer. I have so admired Wilma Mankiller that ten years ago I devoted an entire class project to her while in college. Her life is an inspiration to all women, but especially Native women (regardless of tribal affiliation). I echo sentiments left by others. Wado/Pilamayaye, Wilma, for your courage and strength to persevere while accomplishing so much. You are truly a role model for all to emulate. May your works continue for generations to come. I send my heart-felt condolences to Wilma's family and friends.
41344632Delia Jeanie Welch said on Saturday, Apr 10 at 7:22 PM
I believe it was in 1996 while I was going to Metro Comm. College at Omaha that I got to hear this magnificant and wise woman speak. It was on Columbus Day and she was there speaking to the college community on the "truth" about Columbus and what he had done to innocent people. How he should not be glorified for the horrors that he put on others. That was honestly the first time I heard the real story not what we were taught out of our history books. She spoke of tribes right there in the Omaha area that had dissapeared within the last twenty years, wiped out by society and the horrors behind that. She gave encouragement and hope. She was a strong woman and very smart. I am glad I got to hear her speak that day, it was awesome. My art teacher let me skip class to go - she was cool. She said she wished that she would have heard her speak after I came back and told the class what she shared with us. She really touched me that day and just gave me some hope being a woman today.
41026579WAMP1MASHPEE said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 10:01 AM
TO SAY ITS SAD TO SEE A GREAT AND RESPECTED WOMAN OF INDIAN COUNTRY LEAVE US MUCH TO EARLY IS A UNDERSTATMENT I HAVE WATCH AND FOLLOWED THIS GREAT WOMAN FOR QUITE SOME TIME SHE HAS ALL THE RESPECT OF A QUEEN OR A PRESIDENT SHE WAS ONE OF A KIND AND I HOPE AND PRAY TO THE CREATOR THAT WE CAN ALL FOLLOW IN HER KIND AND THOUGHTFUL WAYS TO LEAD OUR OWN PEOPLE
40867022Grandmother Adelyn said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 8:56 AM
Wado Wilma for your courage and inspiration to boldly walk the Red Road all the way home. May peace be with you on your journey and with your loved ones Charlie Soap, Gina and Felicia. My sincerest condolences and hugs from my heart to all of yours. A Friend you haven't met yet
40861804reelaiah said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 11:37 PM
Thanks Wilma for coming to Duluth, MN and for your wisdom...."We have learned that forgiving our Enemies is the greatest power" you helped me in so many, many ways.
40846267Dinizulu said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 7:32 PM
Wilma Mankiller embodied and represented that voice of the people of this land, who have seen it despoiled and violated by a centuries-long scourge of greed, ignorance, and genocide, yet remains steadfast and firm, thanks to leaders of vision and purpose like her, so that that voice is like a guiding beacon for those who still seek peace and harmony. Much thanks to her, all ways.
40834587RAMONA COLE said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 7:17 PM
What an incredible woman. She has led the way for all Indian women to go beyond and serve for your Tribal Nation. CONDOLENCES TO HER FAMILY.
40833817crowwommin said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 6:08 PM
THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT HAVE WALKED INTO MY LIFE THAT I HONOUR. FIRST MY MOTHER BORNS GOOD OF THE CROW NATION. THEN THERE IS THE LATE VI HILBERT,SKAGIT PAULINE HILAIRE.LUMMI.CECIL HANSON.DUWAMISH. WHEN MY MOTHER WALKED OUT OF OUR HOME TO SELL HER BEADWORK THE LIGHTS IN OUR HOUSE WOULD DIM DOWN. WHEN SHE RETURNED OUR HOME WOULD SHINE BRIGHTLY. WHEN VI AND PAULINE AND CECIL WOULD WALK INTO OUR BEAUTIFUL LONGHOUSE THE LIGHTS WOULD SHINE EVEN BRIGHTER. MY LONG HOUSE IS DIMMER TODAY BECAUSE MY HEART IS SAD BECAUSE ON OF MY HEROES LEFT THIS WORLD. SHE IS WITH GRANDFATHER CREATOR TODAY REUNITING WITH HER FAMILY AND ENJLOYING MEAL WITH HER LOVED ONES AT THE OTHER CAMP. MY PRAYERS TO THE ONES SHE LEFT BEHIND. ESPECIALLY HER FAMILY.
40830194Jen Ten Bears said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 3:18 PM
Journey on sister, you have earned your rightful place in the Creator's world. We shall carry on your work and passion for the generations to come. All my relations, Jen
40817669Eliot Kalman said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 2:27 PM
A wonderful 2008 audio interview with Chief Mankiller is available on-line at npr.org.
40813664Frances A. Thorman Miller said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 1:30 PM
Wilma Mankiller, a bright light for all of the people on Earth. May all the fires she gave birth to in so many hearts never forget to continue our earth work, while she now shines as a star in the heavens reminding us still of the importance of our daily walk to help lead all back home.
40809174D.E.F. said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 1:06 PM
:'( I will do all I can in my life to carry on the same spirit that Wilma carried with her for our Native people. I consider myself blessed to have met this woman in her lifetime.
40807054Raining Deer said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 11:57 AM
In 2004 I quoted Sister Wilma in my book about surviving breast cancer, because I needed to lean on the courage of strong women to get through my ordeal. I still lean on her words, "...just believe that Selu can be our Mother, that the stars can be our relations, that the river can be a man, and that the sun can be a woman." I honor your life and your spirit as you begin your walk with the ancestors. May the old ones welcome you with open arms. --Raining Deer Harjo
40801692Sandi Wagner said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 11:57 AM
What a wonderful woman! She has left us the responsibiity of following her lead. Thank you, my friend, for all you did and will continue to do as your spirit goes forth. My sincere sympathies to Charlie, Gina & Felicia.
40801652Terry said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 9:55 AM
She will be missed, I only hope that we all appreciate what it meant to have her
40792404Gail R. said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 8:21 AM
Thank you, Loving Creator, for our dear Wilma, and for the tremendous inspiration she was to all of us! Blessings on her family. Wado, Wilma, for walking the Good Red Road and teaching us how.
40786164Storm Cloud said on Wednesday, Apr 7 at 7:13 AM
Wilma worked tirelessly for her community and for her tribe. Once, she found that an upstream mining company was poisoning her communities water supply. She worked to shut them down and succeeded. Her tribe benefited greatly from all of her good work. She is one for the history books. I enjoyed talking with her. She was a very common-sense person and an intelligent woman.
40783154Cata said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 11:37 PM
I was sadden to hear about Wilma death. what a remakable woman she was.just reading about her in "Indian Country Today" My prayers are with the family. May our dear Lord give you the strength to endure this time of sorrow.
40773217Linda Madagame (GTB member) said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 9:46 PM
In rememberance of a strong, confident, American Indian leader and a fine lady... It was my pleasure to have shared a meal with her in recent years, while she visited Butler University, here in Indianapolis.
40767434Valarie Tom said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 8:15 PM
My heart is truly saddened this day, but I know Wilma is on another journey and leaves behind an example of how to lead, behave and exist. My deepest sympathies to her husband, Charlie and daughters, Gina and Felicia. Your wife and mother was truly a remarkable person.
40762892Crazytalk said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 8:01 PM
If we all tried to do as much for our people as Wilma did it would be a much better place. Thank you Wilma!
40762304Reality was that said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 7:45 PM
She was truly an inspiration to the 200,000 thinbloods, blonde and blue-eyed wannabes who signed up to become members of Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma after her administration opened up her "no-blood-quantum" requirements.
40761604Pam Silas said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 4:32 PM
Always an inspiration, but always challenging us to live up to our full potential and with love in your heart keep pushing through all barriers and challenges. An Indian womam of great strength, leadership, love and humor. Thank you Wilma Mankiller.
40750619Kathy Holding Eagle Turner said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 4:28 PM
Wilma was a role model to me and I had the honor to meet her when she came to speak at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA in 1989. I want to share a quote from Chief Seattle about death "There is no death. Only a change of worlds." My prayers go out to her husband and daughters.
40750262Chris Sutton said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 3:45 PM
Wado, Wilma, for all that you did while you were here. May your journey to Spirit be a peaceful one. You will be missed.
40747107wind&sand said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 3:40 PM
i encourage those best able to write a biography of this lady. no doubt it will be instructive. i never met her but i admire what she was able to do.
40746724Kellie N. said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 3:37 PM
Good trip, friend, to another world, where the pain from this world ends, all sins forgiven, and life begins again.
407465173-Hawks said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 2:28 PM
See You Down the Road Wilma Mankiller.
40741907H.R. Hudson said on Tuesday, Apr 6 at 1:52 PM
What a wonderful, productive life Wilma has led for her people. I feel that the greatest tribute that we could give in Wilma's memory would be to continue her teachings of responsibility and community. My condolences to Charlie, Gina & Felicia. Mitakuye Oyasin. (All my relatives.)
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