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Wilma Mankiller
Mankiller in 2001
Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
In office
1985–1995
Preceded byRoss Swimmer
Succeeded byJoe Byrd
Personal details
Born
Wilma Pearl Mankiller

(1945-11-18)November 18, 1945
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States
DiedApril 6, 2010(2010-04-06) (aged 64)
Adair County, Oklahoma, United States
Cause of deathPancreatic cancer
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Hector Hugo Olaya de Bardi
(m. 1963⁠–⁠1977)

Charlie Soap
(m. 1986)
Children2
Alma materSkyline College, San Francisco State University
OccupationWriter, author, tribal chief

Wilma Pearl Mankiller (Cherokee: ᎠᏥᎳᏍᎩ ᎠᏍᎦᏯᏗᎯ; November 18`, 1945 – April 6, 2010) Was the first female principal chief of a major Native American tribe. Mankiller dedicated her life to aid the advancement and recognition of the Cherokee Nation, a Native American tribe based in Oklahoma. In 1977, she was elected to be deputy principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.[1] She eventually replaced her boss as the Principal Cherokee chief, the main leader of the Cherokee. She was officially elected as chief 1987.[1] During her time as chief, many Cherokee became official members of the Nation.[2] Her administration brought great improvements in healthcare, jobs, and education for the Cherokee Nation. Mankiller also founded the Institute for Cherokee Literacy, which serves to preserve Cherokee traditions and culture. In 1993, she became a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame for her accomplishments.[3] In 1998, she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.[4] The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest honors a citizen of the United States can receive. Mankiller died on April 6, 2010 of Pancreatic Cancer.

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "Britannica School". school.eb.com. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  2. "Wilma Mankiller - Document - Gale Power Search". go.gale.com. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  3. "Biography: Wilma Mankiller". Biography: Wilma Mankiller. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  4. "Wilma Mankiller | Indigenous Governance Database". nnigovernance.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2022-04-22.