Chief Wilma Mankiller Passes

Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, passed away this morning.  Mankiller served 12 years in elective office at the Cherokee Nation, the first two as Deputy Principal Chief followed by 10 years as Principal Chief.  She retired from public office in 1995.  Among her many honors, Mankiller was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.  

“Our personal and national hearts are heavy with sorrow and sadness with the passing this morning of Wilma Mankiller,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.  “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. 

"When we become disheartened, we will be inspired by remembering how Wilma proceeded undaunted through so many trials and tribulations. Years ago, she and her husband Charlie Soap showed the world what Cherokee people can do when given the chance, when they organized the self-help water line in the Bell community," Smith said. 

"She said Cherokees in that community learned that it was their choice, their lives, their community and their future. Her gift to us is the lesson that our lives and future are for us to decide," Smith added.  "We can carry on that Cherokee legacy by teaching our children that lesson. Please keep Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and her daughters, Gina and Felicia, in your prayers.”
 
Mankiller requested that any gifts in her honor be made as donations to One Fire Development Corporation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Native American communities though economic development, and to valuing the wisdom that exists within each of the diverse tribal communities around the world. 

Oklahoma Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said,  “Chief  Wilma Mankiller brought honor to Oklahoma and the Cherokee tribe through herleadership not only within our state and among tribal leaders, but certainly her influence was felt across our nation.   She leaves a legacy of service that will be sorely missed by all.”

Tax deductible donations can be made at www.wilmamankiller.com as well as www.onefiredevelopment.org.  

The mailing address for One Fire Development Corporation is 1220 Southmore  Houston, TX 77004.  Her memorial service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah. 

Tulsa Today Publisher David Arnett said, "The thoughts and prayers of all Oklahomans are with the family in this time.  The memories Chief Mankiller gave us we will carry with honour.  She made a difference and improved our world - all the tribes - all the people."