Feminist Intersection: Wilma Mankiller has gone to the spirit world
Former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller died in the morning hours of April 6 at her home in rural Adair County, Cherokee Nation officials confirmed to the Cherokee Phoenix.
Wilma Mankiller has gone to the spirit world. The way I understand it from some of the teachings I've heard, a lot of our people didn't used to look upon death so sadly because the doors of life and death are the same doors. And if you read the statement she prepared for this time after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it seems she knew that too.
To me, Wilma Mankiller was the symbol of strength, tenacity, and determination that to learn the ins and outs of the system was to get inside of it and make change - something I've personally really struggled with. Wilma is without a doubt one of those people who make me incredibly proud to be a Native feminist.
How will you be remembering Wilma Mankiller?
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I'm reading her anthology
I'm reading her anthology "Every Day is a Good Day" and hoping to glean more about her life's work from this book. Rest in peace to an amazing woman, writer, and leader.
Sad news brought a smile
I knew Wilma was near death, but I first heard about her passing when someone emailed me a link to this page. I had the privilege of working with Wilma as the screenwriter for an upcoming movie about her life. This involved several trips to Oklahoma to meet Wilma, her husband, Charlie, and her two daughters, Gina and Felicia--experiences for which I will always be grateful. I was saddened by the news, of course, but had to smile: Wilma would have greatly enjoyed the idea of having an oBitchuary.