Wilma Mankiller

This book is essential to the study of civil rights movements of the second half of the twentieth century. Herda brilliantly fuses together key historical events, Native American culture, and the personal triumphs and tragedies of the Cherokee Nation’s first woman chief as he captures the essence of her journey from childhood to becoming the indefatigable leader of her people and, in the process, garnering America’s highest civilian distinction, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

This latest biography by D. J. Herda is both an enlightening and inspiring read. It excellently illustrates how the USA really operates and their frankly abysmal treatment of Native Americans. Beautifully written and comprehensively researched, this book presents a factual, yet emotional account of one of the most ‘driven’ women in history. I finished the read feeling a sense of deep admiration for Wilma Pearl, tinged with real sadness regarding the challenges she was continually faced with throughout her life.

I give a standing ovation to D. J. Herda's most impressive work to date, the biography of Wilma Mankiller! I sailed through over two hundred pages, both laughing and crying, as Herda intertwined his story with excerpts from Wilma's memoir, in her own words. Who could have guessed that the birth of a baby girl in a remote setting in Oklahoma during the 1940s would one day alter the course of all Native American people? Yet, against all odds, Mankiller did just that. Unbeknownst to her, she alone was destined to free the burdens of suffrage not only from the Native American people of our nation but also for all indigenous people of tribes throughout the entire world! I guess Wilma said it best when she said, ‘If you want to make the Creator laugh, make plans.’ Our Creator indeed had great plans for this young Native American girl, born of Cherokee heritage, who finally found her rightful place in life. Through her spirituality, gumption, and tenacity, she became the first Native American woman to become Principal Chief of her people. God certainly was not laughing when he mapped out Wilma's destiny. Even after her death in 2010, her legacy carries on.

D. J. Herda's latest book is another triumph for the prolific western-themed author. Thoroughly researched, this page-turner chronicles a complex and driven Native American woman from her humble beginnings in Oklahoma to California and back, again, where she becomes the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation. Combining aspects of modern-day feminism and the continuing plight of NA peoples, Herda checks all the boxes, seamlessly weaving together all of the triumphs and tragedies of this most amazing woman.