OCU Celebrates Cherokee Chief
Gloria Steinem Speaks at Tree Dedication Gloria Steinem was the guest of honor at a tree-planting ceremony this fall at Oklahoma City University in remembrance of Wilma Pearl Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation who died last year. Steinem, members of Mankiller’s family, OCU President Robert Henry and Cherokee Nation Businesses Chairman of the Board Jay Hannah planted a Cherokee Chief Dogwood tree just north of the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel on Oct. 6. Steinem, a famous political activist and journalist who advanced women’s causes in the 1960s and ’70s, was a close friend to Mankiller and spoke at the ceremony along with Henry; Mankiller’s husband, Charlie Soap; and daughters, Felicia and Gina Olaya. Mankiller led the Cherokee Nation from December 1985 to 1995. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. She was an advocate for American Indian and women’s rights. Mankiller was instrumental in tripling the enrollment of the Cherokee tribe and opening medical clinics and a career services center. Henry and Steinem were among the honored dignitaries who spoke during Mankiller’s memorial service in April 2010. Read Steinem’s remarks online and see the video of her speech.
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Jay Hannah, chairman of the board for Cherokee Nation Businesses, speaks during the ceremony.
Charlie Soap honors his late wife, Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller.
Mankiller’s daughters, Felicia and Gina Olaya, nurture the newly planted tree with water from a spring on their great-grandfather’s allotment land, Mankiller Flats, in Adair County.
OCU President Robert Henry places a Cherokee Chief Dogwood tree in the ground at OCU, honoring Mankiller.
Gloria Steinem poses for photos with students.
Wilma Mankiller with Brad Henry and President Robert Henry
Kellen Mankiller, OCU President Robert Henry, Charlie Soap and Gina Olaya help plant a tree honoring Wilma Mankiller at Oklahoma City University.
PoliticalFA activist journalist focus L L 2and 011 5 Gloria Steinem talks about Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller.