TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Native American tribe, Cherokee Nation, is celebrating its Wilma Mankiller Barbie which was recently released by Mattel as part of its "Barbie Inspiring Women" series.
According to its website, this series "pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before."
Who is Wilma Mankiller and why did Mattel make a Barbie of her? Here's a breakdown.
Wilma Mankiller
Her full name is Wilma Pearl Mankiller. She was born on Nov. 18, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS). She was the first female to be elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Mattel describes her as a "fierce advocate for Native American and women's rights." Before being elected chief, Mankiller was a "social worker who dedicated herself to empowering indigenous communities," Mattel said.
Mattel honors Mankiller saying she was "a tireless advocate for social justice."
Accomplishments
Mankiller dedicated her life to fighting for Native American and women's rights. She accomplished that and much more. Here are just some of Mankiller's accomplishments in her lifetime according to OHS.
- Increased tribal membership and revenues by almost 200%
- Opened three rural health centers
- Expanded the Head Start program for Cherokee children
- Started a center for the prevention of drug abuse
- Helped establish an Office of Tribal Justice in the U.S. Department of Justice
- Helped found the Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations
- Was a founding director of the Cherokee Nation Community Development Department
- Worked to improve rural community services such as housing, health care, and education
Mankiller is honored in the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. and the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 1998, she also received a Presidential Medal of Freedom which according to The United States Mint, is "the highest honor given to civilians in the United States."
About the doll
Mattel said the look was inspired by a photo of Mankiller. The doll not only comes with its own stand, but it also comes with a certificate of authenticity.
The doll wears a long turquoise puffed-sleeve dress with four ribbon stripes at the bottom and on the collar. Mattel said the ribbons represent "the four directions: north, south, east and west." She wears black shoes and carries a woven basket.
Mankiller died on April 6, 2010. In her autobiography Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, she said:
"If I am to be remembered, I want it to be because I am fortunate enough to have become my tribe's first female chief. But I also want to be remembered for emphasizing the fact that we have indigenous solutions to our problems."
A celebration for the Wilma Mankiller Barbie is set for Tuesday, Dec. 5. It will be held at the Chota Event Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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