Wilma Mankiller has died after battling health complications.
Oklahoma City (WiredPRNews.com) – The first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation has died. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Wilma Mankiller passed away Tuesday after a long battle with several health complications including cancer.
As noted in the report, Mankiller served as the Cherokee Nation Chief from 1985 to 1995. She is quoted by the AP as stating in her autobiography Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, which was released in 1993, “Friends describe me as someone who likes to dance along the edge of the roof… I try to encourage young women to be willing to take risks, to stand up for the things they believe in, and to step up and accept the challenge of serving in leadership roles.”
Chad Smith, who is the current Cherokee Chief, is quoted by the AP as stating of Mankiller’s death, “We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us, but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us… We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness.”
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