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Thousands gather to mourn Mankiller at memorial |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 12 April 2010 |
Thousands gather to mourn Mankiller at memorial
April 10, 2010
By Donna Hales
Phoenix Staff Writer
TAHLEQUAH — Music filled the air from the loud beat of Kiowa drums to stomp dance music and Cherokee singing Saturday.
More than 1,000 Cherokees and state and federal dignitaries gathered Saturday to say goodbye to Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
“Some might think humility is a weakness,” said Cherokee Principal Chief Chad Smith. “Wilma showed this trait gave her power. When around Wilma, you could without a doubt sense her strength.”
Two days before her death, she wrote a message to be read at her memorial service by her daughter, Felicia Olaya.
She wrote what helped her family and friends was to see that even though she didn’t feel well, her mind was peaceful.
“I’ve decided that what I want is to be cremated and to have my ashes be part of the land around the spring at Mankiller Flats where I grew up, the place I love and that will always be.
“But I would like them to bury something after today. I would like them to bury any unkindness or anger or hurtful things I may have done. Bury those with me.
“I also want people to know what an incredible life I’ve had. I want them to be encouraged by it.”
She wrote that when she was 7 or 8 years old and living in Adair County, no one would have ever guessed what the future would bring.
“I hope people will learn from that — about themselves and about others.
“Don’t turn away from people because of how they look or what they have — because you never know what they’ll contribute to the world.”
Two large columns on each side of pictures of Mankiller doing common things, such as waving from a car, putting gas into a vehicle or in the woods, drew the attention of many.
Many saw themselves in those pictures with Mankiller.
They came in cowboy boots, sandals, high heels and some in moccasins. Some wore suits and others were decked in ribbon shirts, Cherokee dresses and a few in fringed suede.
All praised her.
“She lived an incredible life,” said Melvina Shotpouch, a former tribal councilor. “She was culturally grounded — she grew up with them and knew the kids. When she appeared on the scene, she got to helping her people get housing and health care.”
Smith said no one had been more of a patriot of the Cherokee Nation than Mankiller.
Former Principal Chief Ross O. Swimmer talked of how Mankiller worked tirelessly to build a community development program for the Cherokees.
“I was in the right place 34 years ago when I met Wilma, and she became the right person at the right time and a great leader of the Cherokee Nation.”
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/local/local_story_101001821.html |
