Wilma Mankiller, first female principal chief of Cherokee Nation, led with compassion and continues to inspire today
- Written by Julie Reed, Associate Professor in History, Penn State
Wilma Mankiller served in the top leadership role of the Cherokee Nation from 1985 to 1995.Peter Turnley/Corbis Historical via Getty ImagesIf you fish in your pocket or purse for a U.S. quarter today, there’s a chance you’ll see Wilma Mankiller’s face. She was the Cherokee Nation’s first female principal chief, and she...





