Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately the outlook for such a diagnosis isn't good. Mankiller has battled cancer in the past, and her survival of those battles has been among of number of things about Mankiller that have made her truly admirable.
Mankiller was the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. In addition to that, there were a number of traits about her that I have found truly admirable, particularly her leadership on issues like freedom and improving the quality of life for tribal members. I finally got the chance to meet her a few years ago.
I'm sure these words are likely to make a few people gag (particularly a certain Joe Byrd apologizing PR coordinator whose classless response when I mentioned Mankiller in conversation was "f*** Wilma"), but I can't help hoping our band of Cherokee would just attempt to follow the model set by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, particularly in regards to the rights of its members, access to information and freedom of the press. Those laws for the Eastern Band have thus far proven to be paper tigers under a chief that seems to be following the despotic example set by Chief Byrd.
I know the outlook is bad, but I'll be praying for Mankiller and the Cherokee Nation. God bless you all.
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