John Chaat Smith says that Mankiller was one of the most accomplished , famous Indians . She was inspired by the Alcatraz disaster in 1969 to become politically involved . ( she was one of 11 children ) because the United States said there was n't any future in Indians living on reservations . He says she endured health disasters , other disasters and persevered . Smith : Her work made a new future possible .
John Chaat Smith says that Mankiller was one of the most accomplished , famous Indians . She was inspired by the Alcatraz disaster in 1969 to become politically involved . He says she endured health disasters , other disasters and persevered . Smith : Her work made a new future possible .