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The Cherokee Nation A story of RESILIENCE and PERSEVERANCE through adversity to regrow a Nation of Great People

Mary Ann McCoy, M.F.A.

School of Information, San Jose State University

INFO-281 Sec. 20: Seminar in Contemporary Issues-Indigenous Cultural Institutions and Practices of Librarianship

Ulia Gosart, Ph.D., MLIS

Community Profile

A Timeline of Events for the Cherokee People

This infographic provides a timeline of events leading up to the Indian Removal Act of 1830 all the way through to 2019. Prior to the Forced Removal, the five civilized tribes, which included the Cherokee People, lived spread throughout the Southeast in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Many Cherokees lived in an area that is know as the Tennessee Valley in the Smoky Mountains. This Valley is considered very sacred to the Cherokee People. They were removed from this land due to the discovery of gold in the region and to make way for “White” settlers. During this time, the Cherokee People were considered one of the more civilized tribes and many lived in cabins, worked, and traded with the European and Spanish explorers.

Source: Cherokee Nation Businesses. (2020). Timeline. VisitCherokeeNation.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2022, from https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/culture-and-history
The Cherokee Nation Boundaries from 1540 to 1820 (First contact to Forced Removal).
Top: Cherokee National Forest in the Tennessee Valley Bottom: Cherokee Cabin in North Carolina

Background Information on the Trail of Tears

In 1830, when President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, many Cherokees were forced from their native (ancestral) home lands and trekked across lands through harsh winter weather to Oklahoma. They settled in Indian Territory which is now Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The “Trail of Tears” was a brutal trek where a quarter of the Cherokee People perished along the trail. They were laid to rest along the trail with little to no ceremony. Today, many Cherokees participate in a bike ride to “Remember the Removal”, to bond with each other, and to experience the trek that many of their ancestors took and experienced by biking the “Trail of Tears” each year.

“Trail of Tears”
Information on the “Trail of Tears”
The “Trail of Tears” Timeline
Top: Artwork Depicting the “Trail of Tears”, An Information Kiosk Along the “Trail of Tears”, and Artwork Depicting the “Trail of Tears” Bottom: “Remember the Removal” Annual Bike Ride

I. Basic Information

The Cherokee Nation is in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The five tribes were forcibly removed from the southeastern part of the United States to the northeastern section of Oklahoma during the Removal Act of 1830. The trail which they took became known as the “Trail of Tears”. Many Cherokees lost their lives making this trip. When they arrived in Oklahoma, they settle in the northeastern part of the state. Today, the Cherokee Nation is federally recognized as a Sovereign Nation by the United States Government.

A. Map of the Cherokee Boundary

This map highlights the 14 counties within the Cherokee Nation.

B. The Demographics of the Cherokee Nation

Currently, there are 430, 000 Cherokee Citizens. Of those 430, 000, about 141, 000 Cherokee Citizens reside within the tribal reservation boundaries.
“1.2 million people live within the Cherokee Nation’s County service area. That’s about 31% of Oklahoma’s total population” (Oklahoma Works). The members of the Cherokee Nation speak both English and Cherokee. “The Cherokee Nation Language Department is committed to preserving and perpetuating the Cherokee language through day to day spoken use and by generating more proficient second language Cherokee speakers” (Cherokee.org, 2022).
Races Broken Down by Age

C. Economics of the Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation employs 11, 000 employees in various positions. The economic impact from casinos roughly earned the Cherokee Nation $2.16 billion in one fiscal year. According to the Average Earnings by Industry graph, members of the Cherokee look to be making slightly more than the non-citizens that live within Oklahoma.
According to the Earnings by County, State, and Cherokee Nation graph, the Cherokee Nation ranks 3rd above the state of Oklahoma in average earnings per year. Overall, since the cost of living in Oklahoma is lower than other parts of the United States, it appears that they do well for themselves. Of course, there are other economics issues to consider as well.

II. Organizational Structure of the Tribal Government

A. The Cherokee Governmental Structure

The Cherokee structure of government is similar to that of the U.S. structure of government. The Cherokee government structure consists of three branches of government: The judicial branch; the executive branch, and the legislative branch. All three of these branches work together in a checks-and-balances system to govern the citizens of the Cherokee Nation. (Graph created by Mary Ann McCoy)

B. Other Government Agencies

The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) is overseen by the Secretary of Natural Resources office which is currently held by Chad Harsha. Within the Secretary of Natural Resources office, there are other departments that work with the U.S. Government on various issues. One of those departments is the Environmental Resource Group, which is led by Pat Gwin, Senior Director. It is this department the THPO is under. The Cherokee Nation has a “Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) to preserve [their] cultural heritage and protect sacred spaces” (Cherokee.org, 2022). The purpose of the THPO is to “consult with state and federal agencies to ensure [their] cultural resources are not negatively impacted by projects” (Cherokee.org). The current TPHO officer is Elizabeth Toombs.

Recent Events in the Cherokee Nation’s Government

Email Newsletter Updating Cherokee Citizens on the Recent Governmental Strides with the U.S. Government and the Treaty of New Echota of 1835 (Dec. 2, 2022)

III. Cultural Institutions and Practices

A. Cultural Institutions

The Cherokee Nation has built several cultural institutions to preserve and share their history. Some of those institutions are: 1. The Cherokee National History Museum (CNHM); 2. The Cherokee National Research Center (CNRC); 3. The Cherokee Heritage Center (CHC); 4. The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO); 5. The Cherokee National Prison Museum (CNPM); and 6. The John Ross Museum (JRM). These cultural institutions all serve the community and beyond. They preserve the culture and history of the Cherokee People.

B. Cultural Practices

The Cherokee People participate in many different cultural practices. Some of the practices are: 1. Music and Language; 2. Drumming Circles; 3. Basket Making and Bead Making; 4. Storytelling; 5. Cherokee Stomp Dancing; 6. Stickball; and 7. Socializing and Eating Traditional Foods. You can experience many of these cultural practices during a POW WOW.

The Cherokee Nation National Day Pow Wow

Cherokee Music & Drumming Circle

Cherokee Stomp Dancing

Cherokee Storytelling

Native Arts and Crafts, Socializing and Eating Traditional Foods (Cherokee Fry Bread), Stickball

Document Analysis

The Cherokee Nation Registry of Historical Places Document

Structure: The document is constructed as a legal document. It is written in standard legal language and terminology. Yes, it does remind me of a standard policy or a legal document because it is a legal document. It is a Legislative Act, and the potential audiences are the governmental agencies/departments within both the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Government.

Stand-alone Document: This document could be comprehended as a stand-alone set of guidelines, and it sets the standards for how the Cherokee Nation identifies, protects, and preserves historical places important and sacred to the Cherokee People. One of the norms and principles that might have shaped the content of the norms and principles codified in this document is that indigenous cultures have the right to the lands that are sacred to their cultural heritage and spirituality.

Creation of Document: The document was created by the Cherokee Nation government and people. It was created and ratified by the Cherokee Legislature on December 3, 2019 to make a legislative act “to provide a comprehensive framework for identifying, protecting, and preserving Cherokee Nation cultural heritage sites” (Legislative Act 26-19, 2019, pg.1).

LIS Professional Norms and Ethical Guidelines: This document protects historical cultural sites of the Cherokee Nation Peoples; therefore, many of these sites are very sacred to the Cherokee Nation. Some are sacred for spiritual reasons and others for sacred flora and fauna (plants and animals). The LIS professional norms and ethical guidelines that may correspond to this document would be “building a mutual respectful relationship” and “cultural sensitive materials” (First Archivist Circle, 2007, Pg. 5). For example, a non-indigenous institution might create an exhibit of cultural sites of the Cherokee People but honor the rights of the Cherokee People by not revealing the specifics of a ritual that may have taken place at those sites. It is deemed that what partakes in the ritual would be considered “cultural sensitive material” (First Archivist Circle, 2007, Pg. 10), and it needs to be respected if the tribe does not want it publicized; thus, creating a mutual respectful relationship that protects cultural sensitive materials.

These are only a few of the Cherokee Heritage site that the document helps to protect, restore, and preserve. Top:  The Cherokee National Supreme Court (CNSC)  The Cherokee National Prison Museum (CNPM)  The Cherokee Heritage Center (Homes of the First Cherokee Families in Oklahoma) Middle:  Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum (Sequoyah created the Cherokee Syllabary in early 1800s)  The Cherokee National Research Center (CNRC)  First Indian University (Bacone College) Bottom:  Seminary Hall at NSU (The Cherokee Female Seminary)  The Cherokee National History Museum (Formerly the Cherokee Nation Capitol Building)

Cultural Institution Profile

The Cherokee National History Museum

The Cherokee Nation runs the museum. It is part of a larger cultural heritage institution. There are multiple buildings that focus on different aspects of the Cherokee Nation’s cultural heritage and history similar to the way the Smithsonian Institute has several different museums that focus on different themes or topics. The Cherokee National History Museum focuses on the history of the Cherokee People both pre-forced Indian Removal Act of 1830 and post-forced Indian Removal Act of 1830. The primary focus is on rebuilding a nation after the forcible removal and the “Trail of Tears” that lead the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma.

The CNHM is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in the heart of the Cherokee Nation. In 2019, the Cherokee Nation restored the building that now houses the CNHM. Formally, it was the Cherokee Nation Capitol building. “It offers 7,000 square feet of timeless art and tribal heritage to explore. Visitors can take lessons in authentic arts and crafts, study the Cherokee syllabary, and learn about the modern era of the Cherokee Nation” (visitcherokeenation.com, 2020).

I didn’t get to visit the place physically due to the fact that the CNHM is located in Oklahoma, and I live in California, but I did visit the CNHM virtually. On the website, CNHM provides virtual tours. I walked around to the different exhibits and read the information posted on the walls and museum plaques. My favorite part was the different quotes on the “Wall of Perspective” that provided insight from different perspectives on the Trail of Tears. Another favorite was the pre-removal or pre-British influence Cherokee clothing. The Chief wore a different outfit in times of peace than he wore in times of war. The different outfits allowed the members of the tribe and other tribes to distinguish between times of war and peace. I found that interesting. It’s sad that all of that culture and history was striped from the Cherokee People during the Assimilation Era.

Left: Chief’s Outfit in Times of Peace (All White) Middle: Chief’s Outfit in Times of War (Brown Feather Wrap with War Weapons) Right: Female Traditional Outfit (All White)

The site where the CNHM is located functions as a significant component of making this institution in service to its community because the site is housed in a historically significant building for the Cherokee Nation. It is the former Cherokee Nation’s Capitol Building were the rebuilding of the Cherokee Nation began after the forced removal of the Cherokee People from their native homelands and relocated to Oklahoma.

The CNHM functions as a cultural entity to the community by showcasing the History of the Cherokee Nation. It looks at both the good and painful parts of the metamorphosis of what we now call the Cherokee Nation. It showcases the resiliency of a nation that suffered great tragedy at the hands, pens, and swords of the American government and people. It also provides a glimpse of their culture both past and present. We get a glimpse of the traditional clothing, language, art and crafts, and way of life. The CNHM provides basket weaving sessions for those who want to learn the tradition of basket weaving and the importances of making them. The museum is there to educate both its community and non-community members on the history and traditions of the Cherokee People.

One of the main goals of CNHM is to preserve the Cherokee language, culture, and history of the people. The majority of the exhibits have information plaques written in both English and Cherokee. This is to preserve the language. During the Assimilation Era, many citizens of the Cherokee Nation were placed in boarding schools – my grandfather, aunt, uncle, and a few cousins included – to assimilate to the “White” or “American” culture. Many were forbidden to speak their native language or participate in cultural relevant activities and ceremonies. The CNHM seeks to preserve and teach about these forgotten skills and rights. The museum provides basket weaving classes for those who want to learn. This is a way to share a part of the Cherokee Peoples’ culture with everyone who visits the museum. There is also exhibits on bead work which is another cultural activity. The bead work is significant and some are used in religious ceremonies. The walls on the staircase leading up to the second floor is a mural of traditional Cherokee Art. It depicts the Origin Story of the Cherokee People. It is very colorful and beautiful to admire. Finally, another main exhibit which takes half the first floor is about the Freemen (former slaves) of the Cherokee Nation. It showcases their stories and gives them a voice.

These are screenshots I took during my Virtual Tour of the Cherokee National History Museum.

Personal Connection

My grandfather is my closest relative and last descendent of our family to be placed on the Dawes Rolls of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. He was born in Indian Territory – what is now know as Tahlequah, Oklahoma today – back in November of 1905. 1906 was the final year that members could enroll on the Dawes Rolls. My grandfather, his sister, his brother, and a few of his cousins were shipped off to the boarding schools. Because of his time in the boarding schools, he choose not to raise his two daughters, my mom and my aunt, in the traditional Cherokee ways. In fact, he married a German woman whose parents were both born in Germany and immigrated to the United States before World War I broke out across Europe and before my grandmother was born in 1914. Both my Grandparents decided to raise their daughters in the “American” way, severing any cultural ties to either Germany or the Cherokee Nation. Then, I come along and want to learn about my Cherokee heritage and ancestry; therefore, it makes me an insider to a minimal extent.

Since we were raised in the “White” or “American” ways, I feel that I lost or was striped of my cultural heritage. I feel the sense of loss, and I’ve done what I could on my own to learn what I can about my Cherokee heritage and culture. I still have a lot to learn. I do know this: the traditions and culture are very rich and sacred. For me, since I wasn’t raised in the culture, I approach and handle any dealings as an outsider and with respect. With that being said, I would handle any exhibits and/or artifacts with respect and cultural sensitivity, and of course, with permission from the community.

References

Cherokee Nation. (2022). Cherokee Nation Government. Cherokee.org. Retrieved on September 15, 2022, from: https://www.cherokee.org/our-government/

Cherokee Nation. (2019). Legislative Act 26-19: An Act Establishing the Cherokee Nation Registry of Historical Places. Retrieved on October 5, 2022 from, https://www.cherokee.org/media/po3ngo5n/2020-09-17-public-notice-reduced.pdf

Cherokee Nation Businesses. (2020). Cherokee National History Museum. VisitCherokeeNation.com. Retrieved on September 15, 2022, from: https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/attractions/cherokee-national-history-museum

First Archivists Circle. (2006). Protocols for Native American Archival Materials. Retrieved on October 5, 2022 from, https://www2.nau.edu/libnap-p/protocols.html Oklahoma Works. (2017). Cherokee Nation Ecosystem Report. Oklahoma Works. Retrieved on September 15, 2022, from: http://www.neokregion.org/clientuploads/Assets/Cherokee%20Nation%20Ecosystem%20Report%20March%202017.pdf

Tsa-La-Gi La. (2014). Cherokee Los Angeles. Cherokeelosangeles.org. Retrieved on September 15, 2022, from: http://www.cherokeelosangeles.org/home.html

United Nations (2007). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Retrieved on October 5, 2022 from, https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf

Created By
Mary Ann McCoy
Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by jonbilous - "The Cherokee Foothills Visitors Center at Table Rock State Park," • Fazle - "cherokee wordcloud concept, wordart, american,illustration,cherokee,national" • aheflin - "Belt of Venus glowing in the skies over autumn foliage in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National park" • gustavofrazao - "Oklahoma wooden sign with a desert background" • Memed ÖZASLAN - "pen signing white paper" • Shelley - "Cherokee National History Museum and Capitol" Photo Attributions: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dbsH9BCf1g/VQ-YO3FKxpI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/xTkWFLcLhPg/s1600/Sign%2B2.JPG, https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Exiled-to-Indian-Country-2-1248x492-1.jpg, https://pnts.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/trailoftears.jpg, https://cdn.britannica.com/18/186318-004-C3A22AFB.jpg, https://images.prismic.io/springfieldmo/4a99fcc2-3e37-4b19-a856-d5781173f813_TOT+Overview+Marker.jpg?auto=compress,format, http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/wild-west/fullsize/Trail-of-Tears--4c923b49ea6f8_hires.jpg, https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/ehIcjgZVYVyXwVHnqbFlxLMKewc=/3264x2448/filters:fill(auto,1)/Cherokee_Heritage_Center_-_Log_Cabin_2015-05-27_14.03.37_by_Wesley_Fryer-57f90f2648d148aeb301f6105c446ee1.jpg, https://i.pinimg.com/736x/38/04/d1/3804d14b4ded48184d388f3ffc3790ec--cherokee-nation-cherokee-indians.jpg, https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0a/17/07/3a/cherokee-national-supreme.jpg, https://peakvisor.com/img/news/Cherokee-National-Forest-Ocoee.jpg, https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/-/media/project/cherokee-tourism/images/tourism/sequoyah-cabin-museum---feature-image-2.png?h=918&w=2000&hash=7C228AB06AFE87EBDC5C9D03234887EE, https://visitcherokeenc.com/user-content/made/user-content/poi-images/cabins_in_the_woods_1133_739_80_s_c1.jpg, https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d0/92/f0/d092f0518dd261b589eba3aaf01586a2.jpg, https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4037/4465439796_a1af4dc57b_z.jpg?zz=1, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tahlequahdailypress.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/d7/5d70ea60-e2d6-5316-b8e5-d3d824b68a3c/58f5b9c9aee9f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800, https://www.cowboysindians.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RR0622-0A1A6942.jpg, https://www.nwahomepage.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2017/06/Trail20of20Tears20bike20ride_1497965607712_22957842_ver1.0.jpg?w=1280, https://visitcherokeenc.com/user-content/made/user-content/page-content-images/b2e87e8e28e622a7c7f29b749a37317dee3cd56a.jpg, https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/mens-traditional-dancer-20-picture-id187416315?k=6&m=187416315&s=170667a&w=0&h=zYRLUcDVCtE9XreVq-C7oK-pzAdQDS1_1CM1MmHCRQM=, http://cherokeeimages.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/stickball.jpg, https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/N1uFxW398UZPKxoLoEg4ITB-8QL3tiSy3hN1pbAiJASxKPkh-J6U07vEswKK5owj0JwxEddUkNsv7oG7aLokP7nuJ7nT6Po-oG1VI8k=w1200-l75, https://bearmeats-indian-den.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/native-american-crafts-4.jpg

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