Who was the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation?

Wilma Mankiller was the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995. Her leadership marked a significant moment in the history of the Cherokee Nation and Indigenous leadership in general, as she was a trailblazer for women in Native American politics. Mankiller focused on self-determination for her people, economic development, and improving social services within the Cherokee community. Her tenure is noted for emphasizing the importance of grassroots participation in governance, creating programs that empowered Cherokee citizens and revitalized the community. This transformational period helped to elevate the status of women in tribal leadership roles and contributed to the wider movement for women's rights among Native Americans.

The other individuals listed, while notable in various ways — such as Ruth A. Muskrat Bronson, who was involved in advocacy for Native rights, and Joy Harjo, a celebrated poet and the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States — did not hold the position of chief of the Cherokee Nation, making Mankiller's achievement unique and significant in the context of Cherokee and American history.