Gloria Steinem To Speak At Mankiller's Memorial Service

NewsOn6.com

TAHLEQUAH, OK -- Noted feminist Gloria Steinem will be among those eulogizing Chief Wilma Mankiller at her memorial Saturday just outside of Tahlequah. 

A pioneer for women's rights, Steinem says Mankiller was an inspiration, becoming the first woman to ever lead a Native American tribe.

Steinem snapped photos from the crowd in 1994, when Mankiller gave her final "State of the Nation" address as Cherokee chief. 

4/6/2010 Related story: Remembering Former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller

Other speakers at the memorial service include:

• Charlie Soap, Chief Mankiller's husband
• Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
• Honorable Chief Judge Robert Henry
• Ross O. Swimmer, Former Principal Chief
• John A. Ketcher, Former Deputy Principal Chief
• Bob Friedman & Kristina Kiehl, friends
• Felicia Olaya & Gina Olaya, Chief Mankiller's daughters
• Jay Hannah, Cherokee Nation citizen

Mankiller died of cancer on Tuesday at the age of 64. 

The memorial service for former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller will be held at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds at 11 a.m. on Saturday. 

Directions to the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds from Tulsa:

Directions from Tulsa:

1. Take Muskogee Turnpike to Hwy 62 East
2. Exit Hwy 62 East at the Tahlequah/Ft. Gibson exit
3. Travel East approximately 15 miles
4. Pass Sequoyah High School and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex on the right
5. Turn right (south) at S. Bald Hill Road (S. 510 Rd).
6. Travel south approximately 1 mile, past Talking Leaves Job Corps
7. Turn right (east) on W. 810 Rd.
8. Travel approximately 1 mile; Cultural Grounds are on the left hand side of the road.