Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, interview, Wilma P. Mankiller, first female Chief of the Cherokee Tribal Nation, when she presented her book, Every Day is a Good Day, at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum Research Library on October 23, 2004.
by Alexis Ann
With a sad heart, I learned of Wilma P. Mankiller, 64, passing on Tuesday, April 6th after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Ms. Wilma is survived by her husband, Charlie Soap, and her two daughters, Felicia and Gina Olaya.
I had the honor to meet and interview Ms. Wilma, former Chief of the Cherokee Tribal Nation (1985-1995), and 1998 Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, when she presented her new book, Every Day is a Good Day, at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center on October 23, 2004.
The first woman in modern times to serve as a Native American Tribal chief, her programs based on activism, advocacy, and practical-solution methodology of local empowerment advanced many community projects such as the Cherokee Community Development Department, the Bell Community Project, and Cherokee Gardens horticultural venture. In our interview, Ms. Mankiller said that she believes in a positive future for Native American women, and for all humanity.
Ms. Mankiller held several honorary doctoral degrees: from Yale University, Smith College, and Dartmouth College. Ms. Magazine honored her as Woman of the Year in 1987, and she received other similar awards including induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986 and National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.
At the opening of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, in 1993, Ms. Wilma said, “Our ancestors can no longer speak for themselves. It is up to us to speak for them… If they could speak today, they would say, ‘Look at this museum. They have not forgotten us. We have survived.’”
To that I say, Ms. Wilma, you will not be forgotten. Your books tell your story and through them, you will survive. Thank you!
Posted on April 14th, 2010 | category: In Memoriam
