Wilma Mankiller spoke with Ian Record
from the University of Arizona, Tucson Campus Native Nation Institute. The
topic was governance, leadership and the Cherokee Nation. Ms. Mankiller was the
first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma from 1985- 1995
(UOA, 2008). The Cherokee nation is the second largest Indian Nation with a
diverse population and socioeconomic status (UOA, 2008).
The
purpose of this interview was to discuss the challenges that the Cherokee
Nation has experienced and how Ms. Mankiller approached these difficulties.
The issue of sovereignty and self-governance
were examined as they directly affect the ability of individual tribes to
control their future and maintain self determination (UOA, 2008). MS. Mankiller
relates that for any project to be successful, the idea and work must come from
the people (UOA, 2008). Ms. Mankiller speaks extensively about her experiences
in California during a relocation program and how they influenced her thoughts
about leadership. The ‘solution comes from within’ when rebuilding families, communities
and tribes (UOA, 2008). Ms. Mankiller emphasizes that people need to believe in
themselves with a focus on assets not problems (UOA, 2008).
The
ability of Tribes to make decisions for themselves has been challenged
throughout history despite declarations of sovereignty. Tribal Nations should
be able to make their own decisions and allocate resources as they see fit
through individual tribal councils (UOA, 2008).
Although
no longer a tribal leader, Ms. Mankiller hopes to continue improve the lives of
the Cherokee Nation through education. The education of non-native people about
the true history and culture of the Indian Nations will improve the current
negative stereotyping and perception of the Native American (UOA, 2008).
"Wilma Mankiller: Governance,
Leadership and the Cherokee Nation." University of Arizona, Tucson, 29 Sept. 2008. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
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ReplyDeleteAside from Cherokee Nation Indian affairs and politics, I was also impressed with Wilma as a leader. In the interview she had several excellent examples of what it takes to be a good leader. When asked by Ian Record, the interviewer, advice she could share to help empower a newly elected tribal leader to rebuild their nation, Mrs. Mankiller stated the best advice she could offer was for the individual to develop teams to help them problem-solve, don’t try to do everything by yourself. Rely on people in the community to help you solve big problems. Wilma also recommended that new leaders should establish clear roles for their members, remain focused on two or three major things they want to accomplish during their tenure, engage their people, and carefully balance their professional and personal life.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog, my post seemed inadequate. The ability to lead when in a leadership position is very clear after listening to Mrs. Mankiller, just as you stated above.
DeleteThe ability to listen to your people with compassion and understanding, then use those concerns in a constructive manner is indeed the mark of what a true leader should embody.
I have assumed many leadership positions through Girl Scouting and Nursing. Mrs. Mankiller's ability to achieve change while engaging the people in need was perfect. Thank you for giving us a better understanding of who Mrs. Mankiller truly was.
with a focus on assets and not the problems (I love this statement). Its very true, especially for leaders. There's nothing more frustrating than individuals telling you problems, without solutions...In that case its called complaining hah
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Steven. The ability to turn negative into a positive is truly a skill. Mrs. Mankiller was the perfect example of what a true leader should be. It is with real hope that there are more men and women willing to listen to the problems and create solutions to resolve the complex issues of the Native American.
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