A Journey Through Cherokee History
As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, growing up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has given me a unique perspective on our people's rich history. Our journey as a tribe is not just a story of survival but of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of a people who have navigated through some of the most trying times in American history.
Origins of the Cherokee
The Cherokee, or Tsalagi as we call ourselves, are believed to have originated in the southern Appalachian region, which extends across parts of present-day Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Our name, derived from a Creek word meaning "people of different speech," reflects our distinct linguistic and cultural identity among the Iroquoian-speaking peoples. Our ancestors were skilled in agriculture, hunting, and the arts, with a society that was both matrilineal and hierarchical, fostering a deep connection with the land and nature.
Before European contact, Cherokee life revolved around the seasons, with farming being central to our existence. We cultivated corn, beans, and squash, known as the "Three Sisters," which not only sustained us but also had deep cultural significance. Our villages were organized into seven clans, each with specific roles and responsibilities, maintaining balance and harmony within the community.
Life Before the Indian Removal Act
In the early 19th century, the Cherokee Nation was one of the most sophisticated and integrated Native American societies. We adopted many aspects of European culture, including written laws, a constitution, and even our own newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, printed in both English and the Cherokee syllabary developed by Sequoyah. This period was marked by a significant push towards acculturation, not out of a desire to erase our identity but to coexist with the expanding United States.
However, the discovery of gold on Cherokee land in Georgia in 1829 and the subsequent demand for land by settlers led to escalating tensions. Despite our efforts to integrate and our legal battles to maintain sovereignty, the U.S. government passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830 under President Andrew Jackson, aiming to relocate Native Americans from their ancestral lands to lands west of the Mississippi River.
The Trail of Tears
The signing of the Treaty of New Echota in 1835 by a small faction of Cherokees, without the consent of the majority, sealed the fate of our people. This treaty ceded our lands in exchange for territory in Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma. The enforcement of this treaty resulted in what we know as the Trail of Tears, a tragic migration where around 16,000 Cherokees were forcibly removed from their homes.
The journey was harsh, with many walking over 800 miles in grueling conditions. Exposure, disease, and starvation took a heavy toll; estimates suggest that approximately 4,000 Cherokees died during this migration, nearly a quarter of our population at the time. This dark chapter in our history is not just a tale of grief but a testament to the endurance of our spirit.
Settlement in Tahlequah
Upon arrival in the Indian Territory, the Cherokee Nation faced the task of rebuilding. Tahlequah, established in 1839, became our new capital, symbolizing not an end but a continuation of our cultural and political life. Here, we reestablished our government, schools, and community structures. The Cherokee Nation's resilience was evident as we adapted to new lands while striving to preserve our language, traditions, and identity.
Today, Tahlequah stands as a vibrant testament to the Cherokee spirit. It's the heart of our nation, where cultural events like the Cherokee National Holiday celebrate our unity and heritage. The Cherokee Nation has grown to be the largest tribe in the United States, with over 450,000 citizens, many of whom live within the 14-county reservation area
Reflecting on our history from the lush mountains of the Southeast to the red earth of Oklahoma, the story of the Cherokee is one of profound loss but also of profound strength. As we continue to honor our past, we also look forward to a future where our culture thrives. For those of us from Tahlequah, this narrative is not just history; it's a lived experience, a part of our daily life, and a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Cherokee people.
When we understand our past, we not only honor our ancestors but also guide our steps into the future, ensuring that the Cherokee legacy remains vibrant and influential for generations to come.
O-si-yo-li-s-gi-yi
Visit the Cherokee Nation’s website to learn more about upcoming events or to read about more historical context.
Fascinating. So much I didn't know - like the fact that your people are doing well in Oklahoma. You mention some language connection with the Iroguoi. "Our name, derived from a Creek word meaning "people of different speech," reflects our distinct linguistic and cultural identity among the Iroquoian-speaking peoples." I'm somewhat familiar with the Iroquoi nations, being born and raised in upstate N.Y., where we have the 5 finger lakes, named after the 5 Iroquoi tribes. But I didn't know about any connection with the Cherokee. Please elaborate if you have time. Also, I have a question - I always thought the expression "Lord willing and if the creek don't rise" meant if the creek doesn't flood. Recently I heard it was originally a reference of the early eastern settlers' fear of the Creek Indian nation rising. Is that true?