About This Lesson
Wilma Mankiller was a courageous leader and the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. A lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights and heritage, she worked tirelessly to improve education, healthcare and economic opportunities for her community. Under her leadership, the Cherokee Nation revitalized self-governance and expanded social programs, benefiting thousands of young men and women. Mankiller’s legacy as a trailblazer in Native American leadership continues to inspire future generations.
