ABSTRACT
Wilma Pearl Mankiller was an admired Cherokee woman who spent her life fighting for the rights of Indigenous peoples. “As the Cherokee Nation's first female chief, she transformed the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government and served as an inspiration to women in Indian Country and across America,” said former President Barack Obama of the fearless activist. Inspired by the Indigenous peoples’ takeover of Alcatraz in 1969, Mankiller strived to empower Indigenous communities as Director of Oakland's Native American Youth Center. She understood the importance of education and pride in social movements, and thus prioritized the restoration of pride in Indigenous heritage for the youth. Utilizing effective persuasive and engaging communication styles, Mankiller was so successful in her projects that she was named Deputy Principal Chief and, soon after, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985.
