Wilma Mankiller was the Cherokee Nation’s first woman principal chief and was known as an education and healthcare champion. The 2023 Barbie toy is missing Cherokee details, such as indigenous symbols and traditional moccasins instead of the black shoes worn by the doll. One of the Cherokee language symbols on the packaging translates to “Chicken,” rather than “Cherokee.” Also, Mattel did not work directly with the tribal government’s design and communications team to secure the official Seal or verify it.
