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Her Life
Wilma Pearl Mankiller was born on November 18, 1945 in the Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Clara Irene (née Sitton) and Charley Mankiller. Her father was a full-blooded Cherokee, whose ancestors had been forced to relocate to Indian Territory from Tennessee over the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. -
Wilma Mankiller was born in Tahlequah, OK
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Her Cherokee Name
A-ji-luhsgi Asgaya-dihi -
Her Family
Spouses: Hector Hugo Olaya de Bardi (married 1963-1974)
Children: Gina Olaya/Felicia Olaya.Her siblings were Louis Donald “Don”, Frieda Marie, Robert Charles, Frances Kay, and John David. -
The Accident
In 1979, Mankiller nearly lost her life in a serious car accident, in which she was struck head on by her best friend. Her friend died, and though Mankiller survived, she underwent numerous surgeries as a part of a long recovery process. She then had to battle a neuromuscular disease known as myasthenia gravis, which can lead to paralysis. Once again, Mankiller was able to overcome her health challenges. -
Major Events
Her project in bell,oklahoma became a successful model for later projects and was featured in a movie,
Wilma Mankiller ran for deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1983 and won, subsequently serving in that position for two years. Then, in 1985, she was named the tribe's principal chief—making history as the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee people -
The importance of Wilma Mankiller
She was a Chief from 1985 to 1995
During her administration, the Cherokee government built new health clinics, created a mobile eye-care clinic, established ambulance services, created early education, and adult education programs; launched job training programs; developed revenue programs, including factories, retail stores, restaurants, and bingo operations; and established self-governance, allowing the tribe to manage its own finances. -
Period: to
Deputy Chief
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Wilma Pearl Mankiller died.
Adair County, Oklahoma
Her death was caused by Pancreatic cancer -
Mankiller Movie
Wilma Mankiller biography
