Wilma Mankiller Quotes

Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it - and gets through it quicker. Whenever I’m confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment, I become the buffalo.

An Indian is an Indian regardless of the degree of Indian blood or which little government card they do or do not possess.

Take care how you place your moccasins upon the Earth, step with care, for the faces of the future generations are looking up from the Earth waiting their turn for life.

The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.

If you argue with a fool, someone passing by will not be able to tell who is the fool and who is not.

Whoever controls the education of our children controls the future.

Remember that I am just a woman who is living a very abundant life. Every step I take forward is on a path paved by strong Indian women before me.

In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.

I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.

I've run into more discrimination as a woman than as an Indian.

Women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities.

Everybody is sitting around saying, 'Well, jeez, we need somebody to solve this problem of bias.' That somebody is us. We all have to try to figure out a better way to get along.

Every single person has leadership ability. Some step up and take them. Some don't. My answer was to step up and lead.

We must trust our own thinking. Trust where we're going. And get the job done.

Look forward. Turn what has been done into a better path.

Prior to my election, young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief.

Individually and collectively, Cherokee people possess an extraordinary ability to face down adversity and continue moving forward.

I learned a long time ago that I can't control the challenges the creator sends my way, but I can control the way I think about them and deal with them

America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking.

People say that crisis changes people and turns ordinary people into wiser or more responsible ones.