The Cherokee Nation is a thriving and resilient Native American tribe that has played a huge role in shaping American history. Far more than just a people of the past, the Cherokee have a vibrant culture and heritage that continues to thrive today. This article delves into the rich history of the Cherokee Nation, their traditions, and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Origins and Early History
The Cherokee people, also known as ‘Aniyunwiya’, meaning ‘Real People’, originated in the Southeastern United States, especially in areas now known as Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee[^1^].
The Cherokee established a complex socio-political system with the clan as the basic unit of social organisation. Each clan was symbolically associated with specific birds or animals, such as Bear, Wolf and Deer[^2^]. Maternal lineage determined the individual’s clan, eradicating any uncertainty about a person’s clan membership.
Before the advent of European settlers, the Cherokee had already established well-planned towns along river valleys. These towns were strategically placed near water resources and rich agricultural lands.
Contact with Europeans and its Impact
The arrival of Europeans brought significant changes and adversities to the Cherokee people. Epidemics introduced by Europeans caused a population decline, but the Cherokee adapted to the new reality in myriad ways, such as creating alliances with Europeans and embracing foreign trade[^3^].
Arguably, the most tragic incident in Cherokee history was the forced removal from their ancestral lands known as the ‘Trail of Tears’. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson, led to the forced relocation of Cherokee people, among others, to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Many Cherokees died during this treacherous journey due to disease, starvation, and harsh weather conditions[^4^].
Resilience and Continuity of Cherokee Culture
Despite adversity, the Cherokee people demonstrated considerable resilience and innovation in preserving their culture and identity. The creation of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith, was an exceptional act of literary creativity. This syllabary, developed in the early 19th century, made reading and writing in Cherokee accessible to the masses and ensured the preservation of the Cherokee language and customs for future generations[^5^].
Cherokee traditions remain alive to this day. Many Cherokee still practice their traditional spirituality, combining Christian elements with native beliefs in a complex blend of faiths[^6^]. Traditional Cherokee medicines, derived from native plants, continue to be used alongside modern healthcare practices.
Cherokee art, too, reflects a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Pottery, beadwork, and basket weaving remain essential aspects of Cherokee craftsmanship, passed down through generations. These artefacts carry deep symbolic meanings and offer a glimpse into the Cherokee understanding of the world[^7^].
The Fight for Sovereignty and the Cherokee Today
The legal struggle for Cherokee sovereignty has been another significant part of Cherokee history. The Cherokee Nation has been a vigorous participant in the American legal and political process, striving for their rights as a sovereign entity[^8^].
Today, the Cherokee Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States, with more than 360,000 tribal citizens. They have institutions that oversee education, healthcare, and other public services. The Cherokee Nation also contributes significantly to the local economy through the tribal businesses that they own and operate[^9^].
In conclusion, the history of the Cherokee Nation is a testament to their resilience and strength as a people. Their culture, traditions, and heritage continue to thrive despite past adversities. Their legacy unfolds not just through the historical and anthropological records of their past but more importantly, through the vibrant, living culture of the Cherokee today.
[^1^]: Mooney, James. “Myths of the Cherokee.” Dover Publications, Inc, Mineola, NY, 1995.
[^2^]: Hudson, Charles. “The Southeastern Indians.” University of Tennessee Press, 1976.
[^3^]: Perdue, Theda. “The Cherokee.” Chelsea House, 2005.
[^4^]: Rozema, Vicki. “Voices from the Trail of Tears.” John F. Blair, Publisher, 2003.
[^5^]: Boudinot, Elias. “Cherokee Phoenix.” University of Nebraska Press, 1909.
[^6^]: Gilliland, Dennis. “The Cherokee Ghost Dance: Masks of Disguise.” Mercer University Press, 1998.
[^7^]: Powers, Susan C. “Art of the Cherokee: Prehistory to the Present.” University of Georgia Press, 2007.
[^8^]: Sturm, Circe. “Blood Politics: Race, Culture, and Identity in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.” University of California Press, 2002.
[^9^]: Cherokee Nation. “About the Nation.” Cherokee Nation. http://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/ (Accessed 20 January 2022).