Wilma Mankiller
The Wilma Mankiller video began with a historical background
on Wilma from her origins growing up in Oklahoma and later in California after
he father moved the family in support of a better lifestyle for the two adults
and eleven children of the Mankiller family.
Mankiller leads in with the statement that “Context is Everything” alluding to the
hundreds of years of American History and few actual Americans knowing the
origins of the Native Nations History or issues in a contemporary setting.
Mankiller discusses that the US government took over 2 billion acres of land
through 374 treaties with the Native Nations and even developed the United
States Constitution on the heels of the Iroquois Confederation which had been
standing long before any inhabitants of the European Expansion had established
guidelines for their forms of government.
The majority of the video was on the topic of leadership and
culture of the modern Native Nations. Mankiller discusses how today there is
twice the number of female tribal leaders than there were decades ago.
Mankiller also addresses the need to preserve an educational and informational
bank in order to preserve long standing traditions and practices. She also
encouraged leaders in all communities of the Native Nations to become
interdependent once again. By instilling a positive and values based action in
taking care of the children and helping those less fortunate will produce the
greatest response.
The greatest take away I received from the video was
Mankiller’s statement of “Keeping a good
mind as a Discipline.” I found this to be a moving statement that could
apply to anyone not just those associated with a Native origin. Wilma spoke
about how the Nations have a lot to be thankful for and in order to exercise
the discipline a person cannot have anger in their heart. Mankiller talked
about the annual fireside gatherings and using the engagement as a foundation
for renewal through prayer. All people could clear their minds of grudges
against others, hatred for certain acts, and exercise the values based
practices by encouraging restraint. Mankiller stated that despite overcoming
insurmountable odds, there are many things going well such as increased revenue
generated by casinos is funding the promotion of educational and sustaining
programs for Natives, the implementation of numerous historical and educational
immersion programs all over the country and journalists holding a voice and
changing public perception by filtering the information through a Native way of
thinking.
Mankiller, Wilma. “Sonoma
State University presents Wilma Mankiller.” Youtube, 2008. Youtube.com.
Web. 24 Aug 2014.
Great Post. I think that Wilma is an inspiration to all of us. She lived during a time in which great strides were necessary in lifting up the spirits of Native Americans to motivate them to keep a clear mind and filter out the negativity within society by not letting it bring them down or oppress them further. Hopefully her dedication and perseverance will continue to motivate generations to come. I hope she is in the history books in every elementary and middle school so that all children from different cultures can see the impact she has made in motivating a previously oppressed group of people into lifting their spirits and reminding them that they can accomplish great things.
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the quotes and pictures you posted along with you blog. In response to the first picture and quote, " An Indian is an Indian regardless of the degree of Indian blood..", I believe that is very true. The topic has arose in my regular discussion comments, and last weeks disucssions. I feel that if you were raised, and believe the Native beliefs than you are a native regardless of the degree of the blood. Obviously, you must keep it monitored so people cannot take advanatage of the system. But it must be kept in mind that such things as adoption can take place.
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