One of the most interesting people that I have come across is Wilma Mankiller. In chapter 4 of Donald Fixico’s book, Indian Resilience & Rebuilding, he quoted Mankiller extensively. Fixico mostly focused on her reflections on the time as a young moving from Oklahoma to California. Although, her time surviving as young girl learning to be a new Urban Indian is impressive, she was so much more extraordinary.
She was the first elected chief of the Cherokee nation. At the time she was hand picked by her predecessor, Ross Swimmer. Her tenure as chief was known for rebuilding high schools, increasing citizenship to the nation, and community rebuilding projects.
The most inspiring aspect about Mankiller is that she inspired so many people. Mankiller not only inspired people by being a woman chief, but by being a GOOD chief who was a woman. She became an icon and best selling author.
Mankiller wrote two autobiographies: Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women, Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women. They both tell a story that came from poor reservation into one of the most influential American Indians ever.
Wilma Mankiller was one of the most interesting people that I have come across in this class. Her death in 2010 was followed with a documentary six years later. I highly recommend watching it.