Introduction to Cherokee History and Culture

The Cherokee, or Aniyvwiya, meaning 'Principal People', are indigenous to the Southeastern United States. Today, they're one of the largest federally recognized tribes.

In 1821, Sequoyah introduced the Cherokee syllabary, revolutionizing written communication among the Cherokee. His syllabary remains crucial for preserving the language and culture.

The 1830 Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears, a devastating journey that claimed thousands of Cherokee lives.

There are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band in North Carolina.

Cherokee society was traditionally matrilineal. Clan identity and inheritance were determined through the mother, signifying the central role of women.

Cherokees were skilled farmers, cultivating the 'Three Sisters': corn, beans, and squash. These crops were staple foods and central to their agrarian culture.

The Cherokee language is endangered, with efforts to revitalize it through immersion schools and digital resources, ensuring its survival for future generations.

John Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, became the first Native American in space in 2002.