Member-only story

Summary Of Wilma Mankiller Michael Wallis Mankiller

Thomas Mann

·5.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Summary Of Wilma Mankiller Michael Wallis S Mankiller

4 min read · 1 month before

437 View Claps

67 Respond

Save

Listen

Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, was an extraordinary leader and tireless advocate for the rights of Native Americans. Michael Wallis's acclaimed biography, "Wilma Mankiller: A Chief and Her People," provides an in-depth look at her remarkable life and contributions. This comprehensive summary highlights the key events, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of this iconic figure.

Early Life and Education

Wilma Mankiller was born in 1945 to a Cherokee father and a white mother in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Growing up in poverty and facing discrimination, she developed a strong sense of justice and a determination to improve the lives of her people. After graduating high school, Mankiller attended Eastern Oklahoma State College and San Francisco State University, where she earned degrees in social work.

Summary of Wilma Mankiller & Michael Wallis's Mankiller

by Thomas S. Hischak

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1435 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	53 pages

Activism and Political Engagement

In the early 1970s, Mankiller became involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM),a group fighting for the rights of Native Americans. She organized protests, testified before Congress, and played a key role in the occupation of Wounded Knee. In 1983, she was elected Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation, becoming the first woman to hold this position.

Chief of the Cherokee Nation

In 1985, Wilma Mankiller was elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, making history as the first woman to lead a major Native American tribe. During her tenure, she faced numerous challenges, including high unemployment, poor healthcare, and inadequate housing. Despite these obstacles, Mankiller implemented innovative programs that improved the lives of the Cherokee people, such as job training initiatives, healthcare reforms, and cultural preservation projects.

Leadership and Legacy

Wilma Mankiller's leadership style was characterized by compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to her community. She fostered unity among the Cherokee people and forged alliances with other tribes and organizations. Her advocacy for indigenous rights extended beyond the Cherokee Nation, as she played a pivotal role in national and international issues affecting Native Americans.

National and International Recognition

Wilma Mankiller's accomplishments earned her widespread recognition. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, and the Indigenous Peacemaker Award. Her life story was celebrated in documentaries, books, and a musical play.

Personal Life and Health

Despite the demands of her public life, Mankiller maintained a loving and supportive family. She married Charlie Soap in 1963, and they had three children together. In the later years of her life, Mankiller faced health challenges, including breast cancer and multiple myeloma. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 64.

Wilma Mankiller's extraordinary life and legacy continue to inspire and empower Native Americans and people worldwide. Her unwavering determination, visionary leadership, and tireless advocacy for social justice left an enduring mark on history. Michael Wallis's biography captures the essence of this remarkable woman and provides a valuable resource for understanding her contributions and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights.

Summary of Wilma Mankiller & Michael Wallis's Mankiller

by Thomas S. Hischak

5 out of 5