The Cherokee Nation will celebrate the Cherokee Nation's first female chief today.

 

Wilma Mankiller served as the first female chief of a major Native American tribe and inspired a Barbie Doll's creation in her honor. The doll is part of the company's Inspiring Women Series. The celebration is a tribute to the legacy of Mankiller and her impact on the tribe, Indian Country, as a humanitarian, and advocate of women’s rights. The event in Tahlequah is open to the public and will be live-streamed on Cherokee Nation YouTube and Facebook.

 

Not all Cherokee Nation citizens are embracing the idea of honoring Mankiller with a doll. Some Cherokees say she was known for her humility and would not have appreciated a doll with her likeness.

 

The doll appears to be popular, though, because due to high demand and back order for dolls, there will not be Barbies for sale at the event, but keepsake cut-outs of the doll will be available.