Wilma Mankiller: The Cherokee Chief Who Changed a Nation

Wilma Mankiller's story is a testament to resilience and leadership. The first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, she overcame personal and societal challenges to spearhead significant advancements in tribal governance and culture. Born into a farmer family in Oklahoma and relocated to California during her childhood, Mankiller witnessed the civil rights era that shaped her resolve to initiate change. Leading the Cherokee Nation from 1985 to 1995, she focused on health, housing, and education, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions. Her story continues to inspire, with her image gracing the U.S. quarter and immortalized in a Barbie doll, encouraging young native girls to aspire and achieve.