Political Quotes

“Wilma Mankiller led a remarkable life. As my friend Congressman Boren so eloquently stated, her beginnings were awfully humble. Frankly, they didn't get much better for a long time. She traveled to California, and unlike a lot of Oklahomans, did not find the prosperity that so many had found, so she returned home and went to work for the Cherokee Nation. For over a decade, she worked through a succession of posts of increasing responsibility. Eventually, she became, of course, the principal chief of the second largest Indian tribe in America, the first woman to do so and arguably the best leader the tribe has had since its removal from North Carolina to Oklahoma. During her tenure as chief, she more than tripled the number of Cherokees. She doubled tribal employment. She added dozens of programs in nutrition, social services, education, and cultural awareness. Frankly, she made the Cherokee Nation even more than it was--a force to be reckoned with, but a beneficent force, not only in northeast Oklahoma, not only within the lives of its citizens, but, quite frankly, in Indian Country and in American politics. She was recognized for her extraordinary achievements over a lifetime--honorary degrees, boards and foundations and, of course, again, as my colleague and friend Mr. Boren mentioned, the highest civilian award that any American can receive, the Medal of Freedom. I knew Wilma Mankiller very well. She led a life based on principles.”