Individually and collectively, Cherokee people possess an extraordinary ability to face down adversity and continue moving forward.

If you argue with a fool, someone passing by will not be able to tell who is the fool and who is not.

Take care how you place your moccasins upon the Earth, step with care, for the faces of the future generations are looking up from the Earth waiting their turn for life.

Everybody is sitting around saying, 'Well, jeez, we need somebody to solve this problem of bias.' That somebody is us. We all have to try to figure out a better way to get along.

Recognizing the good, not just in one's own personal circumstances, but in the world, makes anything possible. When I am asked about the important characteristics of leadership, being of good, positive mind is at the top of my list. If a leader can focus on the meritorious characteristics of other people and try to play to their strengths as well as find value in even the most difficult situation, she can inspire hope and faith in others and motivate them to move forward.

I've run into more discrimination as a woman than as an Indian.

Every single person has leadership ability. Some step up and take them. Some don't. My answer was to step up and lead.