License to Thrive

Wilma Mankiller

Former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller, one of the nation's most visible American Indian leaders and one of the few women to lead a major tribe, died from panvreatic cancer at the age of 64.  As the powerful, visionary first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller was responsible for 139,000 people and a $69 million budget.

Mankiller spent her formative years in San Francisco, where she learned about the women's movement and organizing. When she returned to her native Oklahoma, Mankiller used her skills to help the Cherokee Nation, starting community self-help programs and teaching people ways out of poverty. In 1983 she ran for deputy chief of the Nation, and in 1985 Mankiller became Principal Chief.  Mankiller brought about important strides for the Cherokees, including improved health care, education, utilities management and tribal government and called for attracting higher-paying industry to the area, improving adult literacy, supporting women returning to school and more. Mankiller also lived in the larger world, active in civil rights matters, lobbying the federal government and supporting women's activities and issues.

Mankiller decided not to seek re-election in 1995, and accepted a teaching position at Dartmouth College where she held an honorary degree.  She was also awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.