Wilma Mankiller, a former chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, has been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer.

In 1987, Mankiller became the first woman elected as chief of the tribe. She served in the position for 10 years and led the Cherokees into a new era of self-determination.

Mankiller was born in 1945 at the Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her family moved to California at a time when the federal government urged American Indians to move to urban areas.

Mankiller returned to the Cherokee Nation in 1977 and began a career in tribal service. She was elected deputy chief in 1983 and took over the job of chief in 1985. She won election to the position in 1987.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer (Cherokee Nation 3/2)
Mankiller Diagnosed with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (Reznet News 3/2)
Former Cherokee Chief Diagnosed With Cancer (KTUL-TV 3/2)
Cherokee Nation: Wilma Mankiller Diagnosed With Stage IV Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (News on 6 3/2)
Ex-Cherokee Chief Mankiller diagnosed with cancer (AP 3/2)
Former Chief Mankiller diagnosed with Cancer (The Cherokee One Feather 3/3)