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She Was The First!
Wilma was alive in a time when the Native American culture was at a low point. Want to guess when that was? No, not in the 1700's or even the 1800's but in the 1980's! Less than forty years ago!!! In fact, Wilma is still alive today. Although retired now, her dreams of a time where the men and women of the Cherokee nation returned to the traditional way of working together was very much realized because of her lifelong work. For the Cherokee, teamwork - men and women working together for the common good of the whole tribe - was a traditional and an honored way of life. However, deep discouragement, broken promises and a completely male dominated culture had replaced their historical ways. Now the women were cast aside and forgotten. They lived hopeless and powerless. And the whole culture fought alcoholism and unemployment. The year was 1987. Yes that is right. . . 1987!!! Remember she is the most celebrated Cherokee person in OUR lifetime. . . Wilma dressed as the morning sun warmed the air. Preparing for her first official day as the elected Chief of the Nation, all of her life's work, hopes and beliefs lay around her mind. Her anticipation of a brighter future began to bubble up. This day brought the end of much prejudice and ridicule, hardship and skepticism. She dressed and remembered. Wilma knew the sweetness of life could be short. She remembered the car accident that killed her best friend and nearly killed her. She carries the scars of 17 surgeries. As she dressed, each scar reminded her that life can only give back to you what you put into it. She remembered the death threats she received as her popularity with her people grew and the tension grew with her enemies. She remembered buying new tires for her vehicle when its tires were slashed in protest. She remembered 1985, when she first "inherited" the position as chief of the Cherokee nation. Inherited it because her boss left the position and she was the next in command. However, this year, 1987, she was freely elected. . . and the very first female ever to hold that position. She knew her people had high expectations for her. She had high expectations. . . for all of them. As she left for her office, her head held high with pride and hope, she offered silent thoughts of respect for the people who had gone before and deep gratefulness and sincere appreciation for the opportunitiess ahead of her. She knew her day had finally come. She knew her Nation’s day had come as well. Her high expectations, hard work and deep commitment paid off as she was elected twice more as the Nation’s chief. Although her health no longer permits her to officially lead her people, her influence is still felt within the Nation. The Cherokee Nation is a vast organization, with over 140,000 in population, an annual budget of more than $75 million, and more than 1,200 employees spread over 7,000 square miles!! Wilma's election and her tackling of their problems did much to restore and revive the Cherokee economy, education and equality. She restored faith to a desperate people. She didn't take the easy way or the quick way. She took the way that was necessary and needed. So many times we look for the quick way to make a difference. Wilma is a wonderful reminder that often times it takes a willingness to work within the existing structure. It takes patience to wait for the opportunity that we desire to present itself. But by doing those two things, Wilma created an environment where now, present day young Cherokee girls dream of becoming chief. Before her election, those girls would never have believed that possible. Today I encourage you to take the slow road. It just may be the road you are looking for to make that difference in your life. I encourage you to be like Wilma Mankiller and dream big dreams! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Ginny Dye, Sandi Valentine & Suess Karlsson are a team of writers who all share a passion to empower and motivate everyone who they touch through their writing. Their stories are a gift to the world! Learn how to create the www.firefliesfortheheart.com”>success you dream of, overcome obstacles and challenges, and live a life of grace and love. Please visit us at www.firefliesfortheheart.com |
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