Wilma Mankiller quotes

Wilma Mankiller was a prominent Native American stateswoman and the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her leadership focused on improving education, healthcare, and community development for the Cherokee people. She became an inspirational figure for indigenous rights and women in leadership. Here are 11 of her quotes:

The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.

Wilma Mankiller

I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.

Wilma Mankiller

We must trust our own thinking. Trust where we're going. And get the job done.

Wilma Mankiller

Everybody is sitting around saying, 'Well, jeez, we need somebody to solve this problem of bias.' That somebody is us. We all have to try to figure out a better way to get along.

Wilma Mankiller

I want to be remembered as the person who helped us restore faith in ourselves.

Wilma Mankiller

Prior to my election, young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief.

Wilma Mankiller

I've run into more discrimination as a woman than as an Indian.

Wilma Mankiller

Individually and collectively, Cherokee people possess an extraordinary ability to face down adversity and continue moving forward.

Wilma Mankiller

America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking.

Wilma Mankiller