Monday, April 26, 2010

Wilma Mankiller, beloved leader and friend, passes on (1945-2010)

Photobucket
Wilma Mankiller
1945-2010


The Richard Oakes Multicultural Center (ROMC) at the Cesar Chavez Student Center honors the life and legacy of Dr. Wilma Mankiller. Dr. Mankiller was an SFSU hall of fame alumna, scholar, Native American activist and women's rights heroine. She served as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma from 1985-1995. Mankiller passed away at age 64, on April 6, 2010.

Among Mankiller's many successes, she oversaw the substantial revitalization of the Cherokee Natino of Oklahoma, including several new free-standing health clinics, and an $11 million Job Corps Center, greatly expanding services for children and youth. She also lef the team that developed the core of what's now known as Cherokee Nation Enterprises. In 1969, she participated in the Alcatraz Occupation. In 1998, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Dr. Wilma Mankiller touched the lives of people all over the world with her wisdom and guiding vision. Her exemplary Cherokee leadership, her strong Native American advocacy, and her expansive work in the women's rights movement have inspired us all. Her spirit of determination, grace, humility, and decisiveness will always be remembered.

Visit the ROMC Resource Library & Archive and check out Indian Country Today's article on Wilma Mankiller. (At the Cesar Chavez Student Center on SF State campus. Terrace Level.)

We've also posted on Facebook (including preview of Indian Country Today's article).