First female chief talks about
changing the Cherokee Nation

October 19, 2009 by Leslie Ventura 

First female chief discusses challenging the status quo

Kicking off Native American History Month Wilma Mankiller, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, spoke to students about overcoming adversity.

Held in the Multicultural Center-Centro Multicultural, the event required attendees to RSVP for a seat in a small, colorful room decorated with posters that promoted diversity.

“To have somebody of that status here at UNLV is a big deal,” said Jose Melendrez, assistant vice president for Diversity and Inclusion.

Bringing inspiration and hope to students, the event served as a tribute to Native American people.

A collaborative effort between Women in Higher Education, the College of Southern Nevada and UNLV, the event brought an aspect of cultural diversity not often seen by students at UNLV, according to attendees.

Reflecting issues that are present in everyday society, Mankiller addressed hurdles that young women face and encouraged change within the American Indian community.

“She was and continues to be very influential with her people and with Native American rights movements and advocacy,” said graduate assistant Ana Marrero.

Written on the classroom board were quotes from Mankiller’s past speeches, showing that creating change is something she discusses often.

“Prior to my election, young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief,” read one quote.

About 60 people showed up to the event. Some had to be turned away due to limited seating in the event room.

Among the crowd from UNLV, the Native American Students Association attended and brought 10 students from the reservation to hear Mankiller speak.

“They are a small group, but they are doing miraculous things on this journey,” Marrero said, noting that American Indians are one of the most underrepresented groups at UNLV.

Decorated with posters of other influential American Indian people, some students were moved to tears.

“She’s a trailblazer. She’s the first one,” Marrero said. “She sets an example.”
Calling Mankiller one of the key figures of our time, Melendrez explained why he believes it was so important for her to speak at UNLV.

“When the history books are written, she’ll be recognized as a leader,” Melendrez said.

Melendrez explained that the Center-Centro has started focusing on student advocacy since the budget cuts.

“We really want to put our focus on the students,” Melendrez said.

The center has not been able to get as many big speakers to come to UNLV but was able to bring Mankiller here due to the collaborative work between schools.

The Center-Centro will continue to represent students of all cultures and welcomes the use of its facilities as a meeting ground or as a place to get involved within the community, Melendrez said.

Being that the Center-Centro is still new, the faculty is working on building the UNLV community and diversity.