Wilma Mankiller, a former principal chief of the Cherokee tribe and professor at the University, was honored Wednesday night by the Eugene Human Rights Commission at a reception in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Surrounded by friends, family and fellow Cherokee members, Mankiller was recognized with an hour-long ceremony for her accomplishments both as a member of the Cherokee tribe and as a contributor to the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics at the University. She was also honored by Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy as part of the night’s events.
Mankiller was elected the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1987, making her the first woman to ever hold the position. She was re-elected in 1991. She has met with former presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton about various tribal issues. Mankiller now works as the Morse Chair professor at the University.
Knight Professor of Law Rennard Strickland, a member of the Cherokee tribe who has also worked with Mankiller, spoke in honor of Mankiller at the reception. He emphasized her importance to the Cherokee people even today, after her time as chief has ended.
“Wilma, in Cherokee history, is a figure that will continue to live among the greats,” he said.
Strickland later added that Mankiller’s firsthand experience with the Native American culture has helped her teach others, noting that she had “been on the frontlines for more than 10 years.”
Throughout the night, Mankiller was presented with various gifts from the speakers, which included a coffee mug and a blanket that was draped over her shoulders during the ceremony.
John del Nero, a Lane Community College professor, played a song in her honor. He used a traditional Tennessee reed flute to create an authentic Native American sound, playing a piece called “A Zuni Sunrise.”
Mankiller addressed the room to bring the ceremony to a close. She was grateful for the experience she shared with the University, and suggested that she has benefited from it as well.
“I’ve learned a lot from the students, the faculty and from all the people I’ve met,” she said. She later noted, “All the people we’ve met always stay in our hearts, no matter where we go.”
Mankiller is the 25th person to serve as the Wayne Morse Chair of Law and Politics. Though her position only lasts for one year, Mankiller expressed a reluctance to offer any kind of finality.
“There is no Cherokee word for ‘goodbye,’ so we just say ‘see you later,’” she said.