Washington, DC (June 13, 2022) – On Friday, June 10, to coincide with the release of the Wilma Mankiller Quarter, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM), in partnership with DC Public Library and with support from the United States Mint (Mint), screened the documentary Mankiller at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC.

The film explores and honors the life and legacy of Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and an activist for Native American and women’s rights.

Following the screening, the film’s director and producer, Valerie Red-Horse Mohl participated in a panel discussion with NWHM Board Member Mary Smith, the first woman Native American president-elect nominee of the American Bar Association, and Michele Thompson, Mint program lead for the American Women Quarters^™️ Program. The National Women’s History Museum is a consultant to Mint for the American Women Quarters Program. The Wilma Mankiller quarter is the third coin in the program and was released on June 6, 2022.

“In the film, Wilma Mankiller said that she’s focusing on economic development, but not in a vacuum – there's education, and there's mental health and wellness,” said Red-Horse. “Wilma also talked about not being afraid of change and that we need change. I think her message is so relevant right now. It's something that we should really carry forward with us.”

“Wilma Mankiller created economic opportunity for the Cherokee Nation and this new quarter will ensure that her message of economic opportunity will carry on,” said Smith.

“Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected chief of the Cherokee Nation. Mankiller’s administration revitalized the Cherokee Nation through extensive community development, including improvements to health care and education. The depth and breadth of her accomplishments are powerful and inspiring, and embody the essence of the American Women Quarters Program,” said Thompson.

Photos from the event are available here. Including photos of Wilma’s family (Gina Olaya, Felicia Olaya, and Kellen Quinton) being presented with a shadowbox to celebrate the quarter.

To speak with a representative from the National Women’s History Museum, please contact Jeannette O’Connor at [email protected].

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About the National Women’s History Museum

Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative online museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. We strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power.

The NWHM fills in major omissions of women in history books and K-12 education, providing scholarly content and educational programming for teachers, students, and parents. We reach more than four million visitors each year through our online content and education programming. Learn more at womenshistory.org.

About the Film

Mankiller is the story of an American hero. One who stands tall amongst the likes of Robert Kennedy, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King, Jr.  Someone who humbly defied the odds and overcame insurmountable obstacles to fight injustice and gave a voice to the voiceless. And yet few people know her name. This is the story of an American legend, Wilma Mankiller, who overcame rampant sexism and personal challenges to emerge as the Cherokee Nation’s first woman Principal Chief in 1985. Mankiller examines the legacy of the formidable Wilma Mankiller and reunites the documentary team of Gale Anne Hurd and Valerie Red-Horse Mohl for their third and most powerful film. Mankiller reminds audiences of the true meaning of servant leadership and serves as a wake-up call to take action for positive change.

About the United States Mint

Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.