Wilma Mankiller


            Today I watch Wilma Mankiller speak before a crowd at Arizona State University. The speech the second part of a presentation by Simon Ortiz and Labriola Center Lecture on Indigenous Land, Culture, and Community. Wilma Mankiller was the first female Chief of the Cherokee People and a longtime activist for Indian rights.
            Wilma Mankiller spoke about numerous issues facing the indigenous peoples around the world. From the how tribes are being destroyed around the world to the prophecies of the end of time. Mankiller spoke about how systematic killing of tribal leaders and mocking tribal traditions leads to the destruction of tribal nations.
I learned that many tribal ceremonies that celebrate Mother Earth, are not just following tradition. These ceremonies keep the indigenous people in touch with nature. That staying in touch with nature, allows one to see the miracles that occur every day. Mankiller says that is the difference between Indians and non-Indians, many non-Indians have lost touch with nature. This has led to problems like climate change. If non-Indians could be more in touch with nature and have more respect for Mother Earth, many of these issues would not happen.
I think that these types of resources are provided to us, to see that there are other ways to live. That the Indians are not mysterious or savages like many are taught at a young age. Indians want the same things as the rest of us; peace, happiness and family. However, they achieve this through a oneness with nature and Mother Earth. I think a better understanding of indigenous people, will only help us save our planet from the destruction we are causing.
Work Cited
Mankiller, Wilma. Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People. YouTube, uploaded by ASU Libraries, 10 December, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K_rVUmV7Y8&feature=youtu.be.

Comments

  1. Chaohan SunAugust 16, 2019 at 10:48 AM

    Hi Lawrence,

    I really like your comment about the real meaning of the ceremonial traditions of the indigenous people. We should have strong connection with nature so that we can know better about how to protect it and preserve it. Excessive exploitation and plunder of various resources by human lead to a series of climate problems. Therefore, we should work together with the Native people to realize the oneness with our nature, which is the real peace, happiness as a big family.

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  2. MkingAugust 17, 2019 at 5:02 AM

    When Wilma spoke about stories and ceremonies and how they regularly remind Indigenous people of their responsibility to the land it made sense to me why there are so many Native American activists fighting for clean water, clean food and the protection of our Earth. It is an Indigenous person’s responsibility. Non Indigenous have become distant from the land because they don’t have stories or ceremonies to remind them of their connections to the land (Mankiller, Wilma).

    Mankiller, Wilma. Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People. YouTube, uploaded by ASU Libraries, 10 December, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K_rVUmV7Y8&feature=youtu.be.

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