Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women (Memorial)

Description

“This is a very important book.
It could be the most important of this new century if it were to get the mindfulness it deserves.”–Gloria Steinem| from the introduction
In this rare and intimate glimpse at the resilience and perseverance of Native women| twenty indigenous female leaders–educators| healers| attorneys| artists| elders| and activists–come together to discuss issues facing modern Native communities.
This illuminating book found its genesis with Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010)| first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Over a period of several years| Mankiller engaged indigenous women in conversation about spirituality| traditions and culture| tribal governance| female role models| love| and community.
Their common life experiences| patterns of thought| and shared values gave them the freedom to be frank and open| and a place of community from which to explore powerful influences on Native life.
Wilma Mankiller spent most of her life in the rural community of Mankiller Flats in Adair County| Oklahoma.Her lifetime of activism began in 1969| when she took part in the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island.
She became the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985| a position she held for ten years.
Mankiller has been honored with many awards| including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and honorary doctorate degrees from Yale University| Dartmouth College| and Smith College.
She passed away April 6| 2010| at her home on the Mankiller family allotment.