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Wilma is born
She was born on November 18, 1945 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her parents are Charley Mankiller and Irene Mankiller. -
the move to California
In 1956, at age 10, Mankiller and her family moved to San Francisco, CA as part of the BIA's relocation program. San Francisco was a hotbed of social activism in the 1960s-this time period helped shape the future Cherokee leader. -
1960s: Marriage and Inspiration
In 1963, at the age of 17, Mankiller got married to Hector Hugo Olaya de Bardi. This is also when she was greatly inspired by Native American activists reclaiming Alcatraz. It was also during this time that she realized she could no longer be just a housewife. This is also when she got a divorce and became a social worker. -
Wilma moves back to Oklahoma
Mankiller got a divorce and decided to move back to Oklahoma because she wanted to be among her people to help them. -
Runs for chief deputy
Mankiller decided to run for chief deputy of the Cherokee Nation and won. She served for 2 years. -
Tribe's principal chief
Mankiller then ran for principal chief and won, becoming the first woman ever to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee people. She was chief from 1985-1991. -
Remarried
Mankiller got married again. She married Charlie Soap, whom she met through the Bell Project. -
Awards:
Ms. Magazine's Woman of the Year in 1987. Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, Woman of the Year, the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, John W. Gardner Leadership Award, Independent Sector. -
Mankiller: A Chief and Her People
Mankiller wrote an autobiography which shared her experiences as a pioneer in tribal government. -
Inducted
Mankiller was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. -
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Mankiller received the Presidential Medal of Honor from President Bill Clinton. This award is the nation's highest civilian award. -
Wilma's death
Mankiller died at age 64 in Adair County, due to metastatic pancreatic cancer. The same cancer that her father had.
