Former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller died this morning of pancreatic cancer, a tribal spokesman said. She was 64.
Mankiller was elected the first female deputy chief and president of the tribal council in 1985. In 1987, she was elected to serve as the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, the second-largest tribe in the United States. She was re-elected in 1991 and chose not to seek re-election in 1995.
After learning of her death, Governor Henry lauded Mankiller's visionary leadership and expressed his condolences to her family and loved ones.
“We have lost an inspirational leader and a great American, someone who was truly a legend in her own time.
“As a leader and a person, Chief Wilma Mankiller continually defied the odds and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to better her tribe, her state and her nation. Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation and the United States will dearly miss Wilma and her visionary leadership, but her words and deeds will live on forever to benefit future generations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mankiller family and Wilma’s many friends and loved ones.”
Leaders in both parties saluted Mankiller's leadership. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, Oklahoma City Republican, said she left a
substantial legacy.
“She was a pioneer for her generation, and for the generations of women to follow,” said Rep. Danny Morgan of Prague, Democratic Leader in the House.
“It would be hard to overstate what a great role model she was, not only as a woman and a Cherokee, but as a leader and a public servant,” Morgan added. “Her death is a loss for all Oklahomans.”
Congressman Tom Cole said, "All Oklahomans and every Native American who knew her mourn the passing of Wilma Mankiller. Chief Mankiller was not only the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she was a national icon and role model for women and Native Americans everywhere.
"Her strong, visionary and principled leadership set a standard seldom equaled and never to be surpassed. I had the opportunity over the years to get to know Chief Mankiller personally. She was tough, shrewd and dedicated to the well-being of the Cherokee Nation and all Native Americans. No one more fiercely defended the concept of tribal sovereignty, yet no one was more willing to partner with others of different backgrounds and points of view than Wilma Mankiller.
"My deepest sympathies go out to her family, the people of the Cherokee Nation, and all her many friends and admirers. We'll not soon see her like again. "
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