Who Was Wilma Mankiller?

A young girl who loved her Cherokee culture and family.
The first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
A political activist who fought passionately for Native American rights.

Learn about the life and legacy of the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee
Nation! Wilma Mankiller’s struggle for political change throughout her life will be sure to
inspire readers in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Wilma Mankiller grew up immersed in the Cherokee community and culture of Oklahoma.
When her family moved to San Francisco as part of the Indian Relocation Program, she had to
quickly adjust to city life. Along the way, Wilma never lost her dedication to her people and their
centuries-old traditions. She grew up to become a major political activist. From aiding the
Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969 to making history as the first woman principal chief of the
Cherokee Nation in 1985, Wilma never wavered in her support for her community. She spent her
life fighting for the rights of Native Americans and inspires political activism to this day.