We Weren’t First!
(openlibrary.org)
First Nations individuals are all too
familiar with other cultures thinking they are doing something for the first
time in history, for example, electing a national leader who happens to be a
woman, when in actuality, other cultures, specifically First Nations cultures,
have already done so. Wilma Mankiller, a
world renowned indigenous leader, is the late and former Chief of the Cherokee
Nation, and is an absolutely magnificent example of a primary source when
discussing the trails, tribulations and accomplishments of the First Nations. (Mankiller,
2008) As an ideal example and resource,
Mankiller provides in depth knowledge and insight regarding life for a Native Person
in today’s modern day and age, and she does so with the help of Arizona
University and together they have compiled footage of one interviewing Mankiller
and discussing how she has and encourages others to partake in politics and
make the world what you want it to be.
Through this method of having direct dialogue with an individual such as
Mankiller, the viewer is offered a window into the perspective of a wise,
well-spoken and educated person who can illustrate their thought patterns and
their views on happenings and provide greater depth than a history book retell. When being
asked about political process and how the development of a committee that
oversees the growth and development of the constitution for the Cherokee
Nation, Mankiller responds “So again, the lesson I think from our experiences
is to have broad participation and take it very slowly and have a great deal of
discussion before putting it up for a vote.” (Mankiller, 2008) This shows that governing a group of people
is a process that involves a lot of thought and patience; furthermore, she
suggests that the key to working with the people, is to have a constitution
that grows with the people. The committee
she is referring to allows for changes and alterations and interpretations to
come into play with changing times and a changing populace. This is actually in the U.S. constitution as
well, but our political leaders obviously do not wish to see it, otherwise gay
marriage would have not even been questioned.
Sources:
Mankiller, Wilma. "Governance, Leadership, and the
Cherokee Nation." Leading Native Nations interview series. Native
Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy, University of
Arizona. Tucson, Arizona. September 29, 2008. Interview.
Mankiller seemed to be a very intelligent and well versed in the politics of our government.Based on what i have read she was able to somewhat improve tribal-federal relations with the Cherokee. I wonder how much of a factor her tribal identity helped her in becoming chief late in her life? Generally most tribes was male dominated due to their culture. The Cherokee historically have a mixed sex leadership system.
ReplyDeleteI think one extremely important point that Mankiller brought up was the general lack of awareness of the modern issues Indians face. Average citizens, as well as significant members of the U.S. government for the most part know very little about Native Americans. Bringing awareness to Native American issues as well as their very presence is very important. As we have learned in this course, we are all living on Native land amongst a Native population.
ReplyDelete