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Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People Presented by Wilma Mankiller

Heard Museum

October 2, 2008

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Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and internationally known Native rights activist, will deliver the second Simon Ortiz and Labriola Center lecture on Indigenous Land, Culture and Community at the Heard Museum. Her topic is 'Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People.' The first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, or any major American tribe, Wilma Mankiller opened doors for young American Indian girls who now believe that they, too, can serve in leadership positions in a male-dominated environment. While a young woman living in San Francisco during the relocation era, Mankiller became an activist for American Indian rights and was a leader in the occupation of Alcatraz by American Indians in the late 1970's. After returning to her Oklahoma homeland, Mankiller organized and helped build community self-help projects including a school, youth center and water system renovation in her community. She continued to work her way up the ladder of tribal government, eventually being elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation -- another first for a woman -- and putting her in a position to serve as principal chief from 1985 to 1995, when she stepped down due to health reasons. Mankiller's work as principal chief and later as a consultant and speaker on Native issues has been acknowledged by many honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the two highest civilian awards in the United States. She has also been recognized as American Indian Woman of the Year, received the Indian Health Service Award and entered into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: Free Admission

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  October 2, 2008

  Times:
  Thursday 7:00pm

• Venue Info

  Heard Museum

  2301 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004

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  Phoenix

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

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