Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and first woman to lead a major Native American tribe in modern history, is endorsing Hillary Clinton. She served an enrolled population of over 140,000 overseeing a budget of more than $75 million with 1,200 employees spread over 7000 miles.
A formidable woman.
Ms. Mankiller is often quoted as saying, "Prior to my election young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief"
Selected excerpts from Ms. Mankiller's statement:
This 2008 election is about choosing a leader who can articulate a clear and common vision for our collective future. I believe Senator Clinton is the best person to do that for a variety of reasons, including her early and consistent support for tribal governments. Since I first met President Bill and Hillary Clinton when they were in Arkansas, they have understood and supported tribal treaty rights and sovereignty.
...
As a survivor of three separate bouts of cancer, I am acutely aware of the fact that almost 50 million Americans do not have health insurance or access to the most basic health care. Since Senator Clinton has demonstrated an abiding commitment to changing the health care system in this country, I believe she is the best suited to undertake the daunting task of overhauling our national health care system. It is unconscionable that so many American families, elders, children, mothers and fathers, cannot afford to go to the doctor or obtain medicines when they become ill. As Senator Clinton undertakes the work to overhaul our national health care system, I am confident she will consult with tribal leaders, as she has done in the past.
We need to change the direction of this country. We each have an opportunity to be a part of that change by voting for Senator Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, February 5th.
She's right.
We need Hillary Clinton.