TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma – The first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, and the first woman elected chief of a Native tribe, was honored during a Dec. 5 ceremony commemorating the launch of a Barbie doll in her likeness.
Cherokee Nation congressional delegate Kim Teehee delivered the opening speech at the event at the tribe’s Chota Conference Center. The room was decked out with pink balloons and a display of a gold woman’s business suit in a pink box, emblazoned with “Wilma” along the bottom. The reference was to the late Wilma Mankiller, who was an activist among Indigenous people in California before returning to her roots Northeastern Oklahoma.
“Today we are celebrating the addition of Chief Mankiller to the Barbie Inspiring Women series collection, recognizing her impeccable legacy,” Teehee said. “Chief Mankiller embodied qualities of strength, resilience and trailblazing leadership to align with Barbie’s mission to inspire and empower.”
Mankiller joins other notable women in history with their own Barbies, including Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Billy Jean King, Susan B. Anthony and Maya Angelou.
“Today, Dec. 5, is an especially memorable date. It was on this date in 1985 that she was sworn into office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, the first woman to lead a major tribe in the United States,” Teehee said.
The Mattel sitedescribes the new Barbie doll as honoring Mankiller as a tireless advocate for social justice. The doll is outfitted in a turquoise dress with ribbon striping that represents the four directions: north, south, east and west. It comes in a displayable package, and is designed for children ages 6 years and older.
Mankiller met with three U.S. presidents and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in an earlier interview that when Native girls see it, they can achieve it.
“Wilma Mankiller has shown countless young women to be fearless and speak up for Indigenous and human rights,” Hoskin said. “Wilma Mankiller is a champion for the Cherokee Nation, for Indian Country, and even my own daughter.”
Teehee said Mankiller inspired her to pursue a career in public service, and she always appreciated her advise.
“I was given an opportunity to witness her leading our people,” Teehee said. “Her wisdom and resilience always shone through but so did her humanity and good heart.”
Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to community development she laid the foundation for future generations of Cherokees to thrive and contribute to the well-being of the Cherokee Nation, Teehee said.
Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the aspirations of Cherokees, especially Cherokee women, to this day, Teehee said.
“We come together not only to remember her remarkable journey but also to celebrate the fact that her impact continues to resonate. The Wilma Mankiller Barbie serves as a symbol of empowerment, reminding us all of Chief Mankiller’s trailblazing spirit,” Teehee said.
Mankiller’s daughter, Felicia Olaya, commented on the complaints about the design of the doll posted by people on social media.
“I really don’t have any complaints about the doll. It’s a doll and is not going to look exactly like her,” Olaya said. “If I had a say in the production of the doll, I would change the eye color to hazel. My mom’s eyes were not brown. Also, many who knew my mom saw that she wore flip-flops a lot due to the problems with her legs. I don’t think she ever wore moccasins. I would also add a corn seed bead necklace. I’m excited to celebrate the Wilma Mankiller Barbie [event].”