Barbie doll honoring Cherokee Nation leader Wilma Mankiller is met with mixed emotions

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The introduction of a Barbie doll in honor of Cherokee Nation leader Wilma Mankiller has stirred a range of emotions within the Native American community. Wilma Mankiller, a revered figure, served as the Cherokee Nation’s first female principal chief, leaving an indelible mark through her commitment to education and healthcare in rural areas.

This significant tribute to Mankiller comes as part of Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” series, aiming to celebrate her legacy and inspire future generations. A public ceremony in her honor is scheduled in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the heart of the Cherokee Nation.

Mankiller’s leadership extended beyond her community, as she engaged with three U.S. presidents and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Despite facing insensitive remarks about her surname, she remained resolute in her mission to improve social conditions and instill pride in Native heritage.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., expressed his support for Mattel’s initiative, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on Native girls, inspiring them to advocate for Indigenous and human rights.

Wilma Mankiller is the second Native American woman to be honored with a Barbie doll, following Bessie Coleman. The “Inspiring Women” series also includes iconic figures like Maya Angelou, Ida B. Wells, Jane Goodall, and Madam C.J. Walker.

However, the release of the Mankiller Barbie has sparked mixed reactions. Many commend it as a fitting tribute to a remarkable leader who transformed the tribe’s enrollment, employment, and healthcare. Yet, some Cherokee women raise concerns about the doll’s accuracy, including its physical features and the absence of culturally significant details such as traditional pucker toe moccasins and symbols on the basket.

Criticism extends to inaccuracies in Cherokee language symbols on the packaging, with one symbol erroneously translating to “Chicken” instead of “Cherokee.” Mattel acknowledges these issues and is exploring potential solutions. It’s worth noting that Mattel did not collaborate with the Cherokee Nation during the doll’s development, which has led to some disappointment within the community.

Furthermore, Mankiller’s only surviving child, Felicia Olaya, was not informed about the doll until shortly before its public release. While she appreciates the tribute, she questions whether her mother, known for her humility, would have embraced being honored with a Barbie doll.

Despite the mixed emotions and criticisms surrounding the Barbie doll, some hope it will serve as an opportunity for people to learn about Wilma Mankiller’s remarkable legacy, and for her story to continue inspiring generations to come.

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More about Doll Controversy

• Wilma Mankiller: Cherokee Chief and American Legend
• Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” Series
• Cherokee Nation
• Cherokee Language and Culture
• Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.’s Statement
• Wilma Mankiller Barbie Doll Controversy
• Wilma Mankiller U.S. Quarter
• Bessie Coleman Barbie Doll