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Deep Dive: Mankiller (2017)

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Mankiller
Mankiller is a documentary about Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The film traces her life from her childhood in Oklahoma, through her family's relocation to San Francisco, and her eventual return to Oklahoma where she rose to power. It includes original interviews with friends, family, and activists, including Gloria Steinem, along with archival footage of Mankiller. The film presents Mankiller as a leader who faced and overcame sexism to bring stability and prosperity to the Cherokee Nation. It combines personal narratives with historical context, illustrating her impact on her community and the wider effects of her leadership in Native American history.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Wilma Mankiller, a groundbreaking Cherokee leader.
  • •See original interviews with Gloria Steinem and others.
  • •Find out how Mankiller transformed the Cherokee Nation.

Did You Know

•The film premiered on June 19, 2017, at the LA Film Festival.
•Production funding was raised through a Kickstarter campaign that collected $164,856 from over 1,000 backers.
•Mankiller won Best Documentary Feature at the Tulsa American Film Festival.
•The final filming took place in Oklahoma and Wisconsin in August 2016.

Perfect For

Cherokee Nation historyWomen in leadershipDocumentary enthusiasts