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Overview
In this spiritual, moving autobiography, Wilma Mankiller, former Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, tells of her own history while also honoring and recounting the history of the Cherokees. Mankiller's life unfolds against the backdrop of the dawning of the American Indian civil rights struggle, and her book becomes a quest to reclaim and preserve the great Native American values that form the foundation of our nation. Now featuring a new Afterword to the 2000 paperback reissue, this edition of Mankiller completely updates the author's private and public life after 1994 and explores the recent political struggles of the Cherokee Nation.
In her compelling story, Mankiller describes both the triumphs and hardships of being the first female chief of a large tribe. She honors and recounts Cherokee history, including the historic Trail of Tears, and tells of her own family's relocation when she was only 10 years old. 32 pages of photos.
Synopsis
In this spiritual, moving autobiography, Wilma Mankiller, former Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, tells of her own history while also honoring and recounting the history of the Cherokees. Mankiller's life unfolds against the backdrop of the dawning of the American Indian civil rights struggle, and her book becomes a quest to reclaim and preserve the great Native American values that form the foundation of our nation. Now featuring a new Afterword to the 2000 paperback reissue, this edition of Mankiller completely updates the author's private and public life after 1994 and explores the recent political struggles of the Cherokee Nation.
Booknews
Wilma Mankiller has been the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation since 1985. She tells her personal story (her political awakening came during the 1970 occupation of Alcatraz Island), interwoven with the complex history of the Cherokee Nation. Includes photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Autonomy is achieved, Mankiller teaches us, only when it happens simultaneously in the life of the individual and the life of a people."—Susan Faludi"Here is a strong and well-told story of survival and it is told with honesty and eloquence."—N. Scott Momaday
"Public servants everywhere can learn something from Chief Wilma Mankiller's story."—Governor Ann Richards
"Chief Mankiller tells a story of a modern tribe that is carrying the Cherokee traditions into the future."—U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell
"Wilma Mankiller is someone I feel I've known in this lifetime and many lifetimes before. I recognize in her the greatest beauty, dignity, and truthfulness."—Alice Walker
"As one woman's journey, Mankiller opens the heart. As the history of a people, it informs the mind. Together, it teaches us that, as long as people like Wilma Mankiller carry the flame within them, centuries of ignorance and genocide cannot extinguish the human spirit."—Gloria Steinem
"[Wilma Mankiller] is a colorful, intelligent advocate for all of America's indigenous peoples."—The Boston Globe