Remembering Forgotten Historical Figures in Native American History
Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010)
Wilma Mankiller was a pioneering leader and the first woman to serve as Chief of the Cherokee Nation, holding office from 1985 to 1995. Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she grew up in a challenging environment, facing the struggles of poverty and discrimination. Her family relocated to San Francisco during the 1950s, where she became involved in the American Indian Movement. Mankiller’s commitment to her community deepened after a severe car accident left her with lasting injuries and forced her to reevaluate her life’s purpose.
“The most important thing is that we are still here. We are still alive and we have to make sure that we are able to define ourselves.”
- Wilma Mankiller
Mankiller co-founded the first community development program for the Cherokee Nation in 1975, which focused on self-determination and empowerment. As Chief (1985–1995), she spearheaded initiatives that improved healthcare, education, and economic development within the Cherokee Nation, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Under her leadership, the Cherokee Nation expanded its services and became a model for other tribes across the nation.
A gifted communicator, Mankiller shared her vision through speeches and writings that encouraged Native Americans to take control of their destinies. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of Native women and leaders. She was honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
References:
Mankiller, Wilma. Mankiller: A Chief and Her People. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993.
"Wilma Mankiller." National Women’s Hall of Fame. https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/wilma-mankiller/
Charles Curtis (1860–1936)
Charles Curtis, a member of the Kaw Nation, made history as the first Native American to serve as Vice President of the United States from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Curtis’s upbringing represented a unique blend of Native American and European American cultures. The son of a white man and a Kaw woman, he possessed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Native communities.
“I am a man of the Indian people, and I am proud of it.”
- Charles Curtis
Curtis began his political career in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1907, where he advocated for Native American rights and interests. His tenure in the Senate from 1919 to 1929 was marked by efforts to improve conditions for Native Americans and address issues related to land rights and education. He was known for his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, using his heritage as a means to connect with Indigenous issues.
As Vice President, Curtis continually supported Native American causes by advocating for policies that recognized tribal sovereignty and aimed to rectify historical injustices. His legacy is significant, not only for breaking racial barriers in U.S. politics but also for his advocacy of Native American rights during a time of considerable change.
References:
The Life and Times of Charles Curtis: A Native American Vice President. (Various authors).
Zitkala-Ša (1876–1938)
Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American writer, musician, and activist of the Yankton Sioux tribe. Born on the Yankton Reservation in South Dakota, she experienced firsthand the struggles of her people amidst the encroaching influences of European American culture. As a student at a Quaker school, she was profoundly affected by assimilation policies, which ultimately motivated her to become an advocate for Native rights.
“I am a woman of the Dakota and I believe that the spirit of my people lives on.”
- Zitkala-Ša
As a writer, Zitkala-Ša published essays and stories illuminating the struggles of Native Americans, with a focus on their loss of culture and identity. Her works reflected her deep connection to her heritage and the challenges faced by Indigenous people. She was also a talented musician and composer, contributing to the first Native American opera, The Sun Dance (1913).
In addition to her literary contributions, Zitkala-Ša was an outspoken advocate for education and social justice and played a crucial role in the formation of the National Council of American Indians. Her legacy is one of resilience and empowerment, inspiring future generations to embrace their identities and fight for their rights.
References:
Zitkala-Ša. American Indian Stories. Dover Publications, 1997.
Zitkala-Ša." National Women’s Hall of Fame. Women of the Hall