Wilma Mankiller - Mankiller: A Chief and Her People

My acknowledgment goes to all Cherokee people past, present, and future, especially the women, who have always tried to keep harmony and balance in our world.

There are many people who need to be recognized for helping with this book. It was a team effort. I will start with Charlie Soap, without whose support I would never have been elected chief, and without whose love my life would have taken a very different path.

My appreciation goes to Robert Conley for helping me to conceptualize a book that would include aspects of my life as well as Cherokee history. I want to thank my family, all of whom provided information for the book, but especially my mother, Clara Irene Sitton Mankiller, and my daughter Gina. She typed all the transcripts from the sessions with Michael Wallis, as well as countless pages of stories, commentary, and editorial notes. Special accolades also to my sister Frieda Mankiller Mullins, Lee Fleming, and Linda Vann for their help with genealogical research; to Bob Friedman and Kristina Kiehl for the equipment to do this work; and to Lynn Howard, Lisa Finley, Sammy Still, and Nita Cochran for help with photos.

Finally, I want to thank my co-writer, Michael Wallis, for his great work on this book; St. Martins editor Robert Weil for his wisdom and unequivocal support of this project; Hazel Rowena Mills, a stellar copy editor and unsung hero of this book project; and Dr. Duane H. King, of the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, for his review and comments. And lastly, my love and appreciation to Gloria Steinem for suggesting the format for this book.

WILMA MANKILLER

I will be forever grateful to Wilma Mankiller for asking me to share in the telling of her life story and the story of the Cherokee people. I first met Wilma in 1982, and since then, she and her husband, Charlie Soap, have become friends with my wife, Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis, and me. I was honored and pleased when Wilma met with Robert Weil, our superb editor at St. Martins Press, and suggested that I act as her collaborator for this important book.

From the very beginninglong before the first word was writtenWilma and I were in complete agreement with Robert that this book should be not only the story of Wilmas life to date, but also should convey at least part of the story of her people and their rich history and heritage. The writing of the work was a true collaboration in every sense of the word. I will always cherish the memory of those long sessions spent at Wilmas home as we wove the fabric and fiber that make up the story of this remarkable womans life.

Many people and many sources of information were of great help during the researching and writing. My appreciation goes to all those sources who preferred to remain anonymous. Countless friends and family members, librarians, researchers, and others also deserve my everlasting gratitude for contributions to this books development.

I am thankful that despite the many blunders I have made during the course of my life, I had enough good sense to connect with Suzanne, my wife and best friend. Suzannes continued belief in me and in my work as a writer sustains me through all the moments of doubt and despair that seem to go with the job.

Many thanks also go to Dixie Haas Dooley for her diligent research and administrative assistance, as well as her encouragement and suggestions. Dixies early and enthusiastic support for this book, along with her creative contributions, did not go unnoticed. Appreciation goes to Dr. Lydia Wyckoff for her consistent insight, invaluable guidance, and her lasting friendship. Special thanks to Allen Strider, Oklahomas consummate native son, for always being there.

Hazel Rowena Mills is undoubtedly the best copy editor drawing breath. That is the opinion of Wilma Mankiller and Michael Wallis or anyone else who has had the pleasure of working with Rowena. This book benefits from Rowenas deft touch. Her superior editorial prints are throughout the pages. A standing ovation to you, Rowena.

Robert Weil, our hardworking editor at St. Martins Press, has guided this project since its inception in Chief Mankillers office. From the start, he did his level best to see that the book we all hoped for became a reality. Our heartfelt thanks to you, Bob. As an editorial architect, you are without equal.

Kudos as well to Becky Koh, the assistant editor, who never failed to respond to cries for help and to provide answers and counsel. Thanks to others at St. Martins Press, including Twisne Fan, Stephanie Schwartz, Henry Yee, Judy Stagnitto, Claudia Riemer, Karen Burke, and Barbara Andrews.

Finally, my gratitude to the feline duo of Beatrice and Molly, who clocked in long hours of pleasure and pain with me at the word processor.

MICHAEL WALLIS