Wilma Mankiller
Wilma Mankiller, Leader of the Cherokee Nation, is Now the Newest Barbie
Parents Magazine- November 2023
Barbie Summer is about to become Barbie Fall, as this month Barbie recognizes Wilma Mankiller as the newest addition to the Inspiring Women series. In honor of Mankiller’s upcoming birthday on November 18, Barbie collaborated closely with Wilma's family, friends, and the Cherokee Nation on the doll's creation. Designed from an iconic photograph of Wilma taken by her husband Charlie Soap in 2005, the Wilma Mankiller Barbie doll holds a woven basket and wears a richly pigmented turquoise dress with ribbon striping that represents the four directions: north, south, east, and west.
“I am thrilled to see Wilma Mankiller as Barbie. Growing up in the 80’s my sisters and I were passionate about playing with Barbies and I could never have imagined that one day I could see Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller as Barbie,” said Colleen Echohawk, organizer and CEO of the Native-owned Eighth Generation. Echohawk reflected to Parents, “Principal Chief Mankiller is a role model and icon for ALL women and girls who believe that we can achieve greatness by seeing the humanity in every individual and opening the doors of opportunity.”