Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee tribe and one of the few women to lead an American Indian tribe, has died, the Cherokee Phoenix reports.
She had previously been reported to be ill with pancreatic cancer. During her 10 years as principal chief, the tribe tripled in size to become the second-largest in the U.S. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
Wilma Mankiller stood up for the Cherokee Nation and all Indigenous People throughout her life. She was a strong leader and a good example to all of us.
Please join Leonard and his defense committee in prayer for Wilma's safe journey and in extending your sympathies to the Chief's family during their time of grief.
No comments:
Post a Comment