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, 64, a former Cherokee Nation chief, died Tuesday at her home in Adair County, Okla., after battling pancreatic cancer.
She was one of the few women ever to lead a major American Indian tribe. She served as the Cherokee chief from December 1985 until retiring in 1995. President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
Current Cherokee Chief Chad Smith said the tribe is stronger because of Mankiller’s leadership and statesmanship.
