TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council honored former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller during their monthly meeting Monday night with a resolution naming her a National Treasure of the Cherokee Nation.

Mankiller, a native of Tahlequah, served as Principal Chief from 1985 through 1995 and was the first female elected to lead the Cherokee Nation.  Mankiller spoke briefly to the Council a month ago during the March meeting and lost her battle with cancer on April 6.  She was an internationally known advocate for the rights of all Native Peoples and was a champion for the rights of women around the world.  During her tenure as Principal Chief, she met with Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton to present critical tribal issues and helped facilitate the establishment of an office of Indian Justice within the United States Department of Justice.  She received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.

“Chief Mankiller was a real treasure to the Cherokee people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.  “We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us, but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because of her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness.”

In other business, the Council passed several resolutions, including the confirmation of William Grass as a member of the Board of Managers of Cherokee Medical Services, the renomination of John Shurr to the Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board, and the donation of surplus exercise equipment from Sequoyah Schools to Belfonte Elementary School.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Monday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation tribal complex in Tahlequah.