In this unique collection, twenty indigenous female leaders—educators, healers, attorneys, artists, elders, and activists—come together to discuss issues facing modern Native communities. Over a period of several years, Wilma Mankiller (1945—2010), first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, engaged Native women in conversation about spirituality, traditions and culture, tribal governance, female role models, love, and community. Their common life experiences, patterns of thought, and shared values gave them the freedom to be frank and open and a place of community from which to explore powerful influences on Native life.

“Reading Every Day Is a Good Day is like sitting down with a wise group of women friends who are generous enough to share life’s lessons with you. Since these Native American women have layers of wisdom that younger cultures have yet to discover, joining their circle could balance and even save your life.” —Marlo Thomas, actor and activist


Activist and author Wilma Mankiller spend most of her life in the rural community of Mankiller Flats, in Adair County, Oklahoma. Her lifetime of activism began in 1969, when she took part in the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island. She became the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985, a position she held for ten years. Mankiller has been honored with many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and honorary doctorate degrees from Yale University, Dartmouth College, and Smith College.