National

Justice O'Connor visits Cherokee Nation

Monday, June 4, 2007

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor visited the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma on Saturday.

O'Connor took part in a Youth Leadership Conference organized by the tribe. She appeared on a panel with former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee Nation Speaker Meredith Frailey and Principal Chief Chad Smith.

"I feel so privileged to be here and what touches me particularly is the extent to which traditionally the Cherokee people have placed a lot of reliance on the women," O'Connor was quoted as saying [Cherokee Nation Release].

O'Connor spoke of being the first woman on the high court, and of working with the other male justices. "Well, I compare it to working with stubborn cows,” she said, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported. “If you can get them to go across the pasture to the pond, you can get along with cranky justices."

O'Connor retired in July 2006, leaving Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as the only woman on the court.

Get the Story:
Leadership qualities (The Tahlequah Daily Press 6/4)
O’Connor, leaders inspire at forum (The Muskogee Phoenix 6/2)

Relevant Links:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org