Who Are the Cherokee?
The Cherokee are the largest Native American nation in the United States, with over 400,000 enrolled citizens across three federally recognized tribes: Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma—380,000+), United Keetoowah Band (Oklahoma), and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (North Carolina—16,000+). They speak Cherokee (Tsalagi), an Iroquoian language with its own syllabary writing system. Originally inhabiting the southeastern mountains (present-day Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina), the Cherokee developed sophisticated governance, Sequoyah's syllabary, and newspaper before forced removal. Their experience—from "civilized tribe" to Trail of Tears to contemporary sovereignty—epitomizes Native American history.
Sequoyah's Syllabary
Sequoyah (c. 1770-1843), a Cherokee silversmith, single-handedly created a writing system for Cherokee—an accomplishment unparalleled in recorded history. Working for 12 years, he developed 85 symbols representing Cherokee syllables. Within years, Cherokee literacy exceeded that of surrounding white settlers. The Cherokee Phoenix (1828), first Native American newspaper, published in Cherokee and English. This literacy supported sophisticated governance, including written constitution and laws. Sequoyah's achievement demonstrated indigenous intellectual capability to skeptics; today, the Cherokee syllabary remains central to language preservation efforts.
Trail of Tears
Despite adopting writing, Christianity, Anglo-style governance, and other "civilized" practices, the Cherokee faced removal when gold was discovered on their land and Georgia demanded access. The Supreme Court (Worcester v. Georgia, 1832) ruled for Cherokee sovereignty; President Jackson allegedly responded, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." The 1838-1839 forced march to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) killed approximately 4,000 of 16,000 Cherokee from exposure, disease, and starvation. This "Trail of Tears" epitomizes American injustice toward Native peoples; its memory shapes Cherokee identity and indigenous rights advocacy.
Cherokee Nation Today
The Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma) is the United States' largest tribal government, with $2+ billion in annual revenue, 11,000+ employees, and comprehensive services—hospitals, schools, housing, and enterprises. Principal Chief leads an elected government with legislative council. The Nation exercises sovereignty: citizenship (controversially, blood quantum debates continue), justice system, and tribal enterprises. Economic diversification beyond gaming includes aerospace and technology. Yet challenges persist: diabetes, addiction, and poverty affect many citizens. The Eastern Band maintains a homeland in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains, offering different model of territorial continuity.
Contemporary Challenges
Modern Cherokee face debates over citizenship (should Cherokee Freedmen—descendants of Cherokee-owned slaves—have citizenship?), language preservation (fewer than 2,000 fluent speakers remain), and sovereignty limits. Relations with federal and state governments involve ongoing negotiation; a 2020 Supreme Court decision affirming Muscogee reservation raised questions about Cherokee territory. Cultural preservation efforts include immersion schools, language apps, and traditional arts programs. The Cherokee experience—from removal trauma through rebuilding to contemporary success—represents both tragedy and resilience. How Cherokee maintain sovereignty and cultural identity while addressing internal debates shapes their future.
References
- Perdue, T. & Green, M. (2007). The Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears
- McLoughlin, W. G. (1993). After the Trail of Tears: The Cherokees' Struggle for Sovereignty
- Conley, R. J. (2005). The Cherokee Nation: A History