[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WILMA PEARL MANKILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 1237 to honor Wilma Pearl Mankiller, the first 
female Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who passed away on April 6, 2010.
  Wilma Mankiller was a remarkable human being and served as Principal 
Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1985 to 1995. While Cherokee culture 
has traditionally embraced the concept of both male and female 
leadership, this custom had fallen out of practice in recent years. At 
the time she became Chief, the hierarchical system of the Cherokee 
Nation had become male dominated, and Mankiller faced numerous gender 
barriers in becoming and serving as Chief. During her tenure, she would 
go to great lengths to resurrect the balance of male and female 
leadership in the Cherokee Nation, and additionally, she worked to 
reinvigorate the Nation through community projects and programs.
  Throughout our daily lives, we rarely stop to reflect on the 
remarkable accomplishments of women across the country and world. I am 
emboldened by people like Wilma Mankiller who worked diligently for 
others and tore down gender barriers in the process. Today young girls 
know that they too can grow up to become Indian Chiefs and it is 
because of the work and life of Wilma Mankiller that this is true.
  Madam Speaker, Wilma Mankiller was a great leader and extraordinary 
advocate for the Cherokee Nation. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me 
today in honoring her memory and celebrating her distinguished life and 
work.

                          ____________________