OKLAHOMA CITY— Wilma Mankiller, first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, pioneer for American Indian rights died Tuesday. She was 64.
“I grew up aspiring to be like Wilma Mankiller,” said Summer Shije, state treasurer of Young Democrats and member of the Cherokee Nation. “She fought for the rights of the Cherokee people and helped to strengthen tribal relations with the state of Oklahoma. Wilma Mankiller was a leader to the Cherokee people and to the state. The world truly lost one of its leaders.”
Her death comes after her husband last month confirmed Mankiller had stage 4-pancreatic cancer according to the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper.
"I decided to issue this statement because I want my family and friends to know that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for this journey, a journey that all human beings will take at one time or another," she wrote. "It's been my privilege to meet and be touched by thousands of people in my life, and I regret not being able to deliver this message personally to so many of you."
Mankiller served as principal chief from 1985 until retiring in 1995.
During her time as Principal Chief she created programs that are still effective within tribal nations today.
“Her work for Native American cultural preservation and the women’s rights movement will not be forgotten,” said Kristen Gadlin, chair of the women’s caucus.
In 1998, President Clinton awarded Mankiller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah according to reports.
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