Maryannaville™

“Prior to my election, young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief.”

A legendary figure, the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Pearl Mankiller, crossed the veil today in Aidaire County, Oklahoma, after becoming extremely ill with Pancreatic Cancer last month. Previous health issues include  myasthenia gravis, a kidney transplant, breast cancer, and lymphoma. Last month, Mankiller knew it would soon be her time to die and was mentally and emotionally prepared.

Mankiller served as the primary Chief from 1985 to 1995. She had chosen not to run for Chief again due to health issues. Donned as The Woman of Power years ago, she was a powerful role model within the feminist movement, for her ground-breaking work in governance, community development, and for furthering the cause of the Cherokee people. Wilma Mankiller worked toward finding the delicate balance of participating in dominant white power structures while maintaining her own cultural integrity as a Native American.

May Wilma’s legacy continue to strengthen our hearts and lives. [youtube]
Our condolences to Wilma’s survivors, husband Charlie, daughters, Gina and Felicia, the Cherokee Nation and all those whose lives were touched by her dreams, courage, and leadership.

Originally posted 2010-04-06 23:16:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter