The Heritage of the Cherokee Tribes

Origin of the Cherokee Tribes

Being over a thousand years old, the Cherokee Tribes resided in the southeast of present day United States. They have their own cultural traditions, social structue and dynamics, and language. 

Cultural Traditions

The Cherokee tribes prioritize storytelling within their society to pass down history and lessons throughout generations. Cherokee tribes also have a rich mosaic of art through pottery making, basket weaving, and beadwork as a means of connecting with nature and spreading meaningful messages. Music and dancing are another key component of their culture. The Stomp Dance is a dance performed to honor nature, organisms, and their ancestors. 

The Trail of Tears

The U.S. Government forcefully made the Cherokee leave their homeland in the 1830s. This journey was known as the Trail of Tears as it resulted in the death of thousands due to the dangerous journey. They were forced to move to Oklahoma, but even here, they built back and maintained their culture. 

Contributions to Society

Cherokee tribes have made a significant impact in society through politics and art. They are one of the first tribes with their language written due to the creation of Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah.

Preserving Cherokee Heritage

As one of the most influential tribes in America, Cherokee culture has been preserved through education, landmarks, and oral stories. The Cherokee language, Tsalagi, is being preserved through educational programs and by passing down the language to Cherokee tribe children in order to keep the language present throughout future generations. 

Conclusion

The Cherokee have undergone extremely horrific events in their history. However, their resilience is evident in the quick adaptability and perseverence shown throughout their story. Their history plays a pivotal role in the United States history.

[All images courtesy of wikipedia]