Wilma Mankiller, the first woman to serve as chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, tells National Public Radio the idea of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) as president is "very inspiring."

Mankiller endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) during the primaries. But she said Obama's campaign has struck a chord in Indian Country.

"Sen. Obama put together a group of well-qualified advisers on Native American policy," Mankiller said.

Whoever wins the November election, Mankiller said the candidate must recognize the government-to-government relationship and improve health care for all Americans.

Get the Story:
Wilma Mankiller Reflects on Columbus Day (National Public Radio 10/13)

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