Former Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller, one of the few women to ever lead a major tribe, matched strength with a humbleness that made her approachable, the nation’s current chief said on Saturday.
Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith spoke at a memorial service for Mankiller that drew hundreds of tribe members and 170 tribal, state and federal leaders. Mankiller, one of the most visible Native American leaders in recent years, died on Tuesday at age 64 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Wilma Mankiller was a patriot for the Cherokee Nation,” Smith said. “Her strength was absolute humility. That humility made her approachable rather than aloof ... and made her lead rather than follow.”
With her death, Smith said, “a dark cloud hangs above this nation.”
The road to the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds, about 113km east of Tulsa, was clogged with cars early on Saturday.
Mankiller led the Cherokee Nation, which now has about 290,000 members, from December 1985 until 1995, when she decided not to run for re-election. Under her guidance, the tribe tripled its enrollment, doubled employment and built new health centers and children’s programs.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest civilian honor in the US — from then-US president Bill Clinton in 1998. She met with other US presidents and dignitaries, but also was known for working closely with everyday members of the tribe.
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry and US Representative Dan Boren were among those expected at the memorial service.
Others scheduled to speak during Saturday’s service were Robert Henry, the chief judge of the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals; former Cherokee chief Ross Swimmer, who preceded Mankiller; and women’s rights advocate Gloria Steinem, a close friend of Mankiller.
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