Who are the Cherokee Nation?

The Enduring Spirit: Unpacking the Identity of the Cherokee Nation

More than just a name whispered in history books or evoked by tales of forced removal, the Cherokee Nation today stands as a vibrant, sovereign Indigenous government, a testament to resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to cultural identity. To ask "Who are the Cherokee Nation?" is to embark on a journey through centuries of profound change, from a highly organized pre-contact society in the Southeastern Woodlands to a powerful contemporary force in Oklahoma and beyond.

The narrative of the Cherokee is not monolithic; it is a complex tapestry woven with threads of deep tradition, devastating loss, remarkable innovation, and persistent self-determination. Far from being a relic of the past, they are a living, breathing nation shaping its own future.

Roots in the Southeast: A Sophisticated Society

Before European contact, the Cherokee people inhabited a vast territory encompassing parts of what are now Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. They were not nomadic hunters but sophisticated farmers, living in permanent villages, cultivating corn, beans, and squash. Their society was highly structured, governed by a complex system of laws, councils, and ceremonies. They lived in harmony with the land, understanding its rhythms and respecting its resources.

"Our ancestors lived in thriving towns, with well-established governments and traditions that had sustained them for millennia," says Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. of the Cherokee Nation. "They were not ‘savages’ waiting to be ‘civilized,’ but a people with a rich heritage and a deep connection to their homeland."

Their social structure was based on a clan system – a traditional matrilineal system where kinship and identity were passed through the mother’s line. This sophisticated society also developed advanced political systems, including a bicameral legislature and a written constitution, predating many of the American states.

The Dawn of Conflict and Unprecedented Innovation

The arrival of European settlers brought profound disruption. Initially, relations involved trade and diplomacy, but as the tide of colonial expansion swelled, so did the pressure on Cherokee lands. The Cherokee, ever adaptable, made concerted efforts to assimilate aspects of American culture in a bid to coexist. They adopted farming techniques, built roads, established schools, and even embraced Christianity.

Perhaps the most remarkable example of their innovation was the creation of a written syllabary by Sequoyah (George Gist) in 1821. This revolutionary system allowed the Cherokee language to be written and read, leading to an explosion of literacy among the Cherokee people. Within a few years, their literacy rate surpassed that of their white neighbors. This led to the establishment of the Cherokee Phoenix in 1828, the first newspaper published by Native Americans in the United States, printed in both Cherokee and English. This was a clear demonstration of their advanced societal structure and their commitment to communication and self-governance.

The Trail of Tears: A Forced Exodus

Despite their efforts at assimilation and their demonstration of a "civilized" society, the Cherokee’s prosperity and the richness of their lands became their undoing in the eyes of the burgeoning United States. The discovery of gold on Cherokee land in Georgia fueled a relentless campaign for their removal. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, championed by President Andrew Jackson, paved the way for the forced displacement of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the Southeast.

Despite a landmark Supreme Court victory in Worcester v. Georgia (1832), which affirmed Cherokee sovereignty and declared Georgia’s actions unconstitutional, President Jackson notoriously defied the ruling. "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it," Jackson is often quoted as saying, illustrating the disregard for legal precedent and tribal rights.

Between 1838 and 1839, under the brutal enforcement of the U.S. Army, over 16,000 Cherokee men, women, and children were forcibly marched over a thousand miles from their homes to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). This horrific journey, marked by disease, starvation, and exposure, became known as the "Trail of Tears." An estimated 4,000 Cherokee people perished along the way, nearly a quarter of the population. It remains a searing wound in the collective memory of the Cherokee people and a dark stain on American history.

The Rebuilding and the Three Nations

The Trail of Tears did not mark the end of the Cherokee, but a painful new beginning. Those who survived the journey regrouped in Indian Territory, establishing a new capital at Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They quickly re-established their government, schools, and cultural institutions, demonstrating an astonishing capacity for resilience.

However, not all Cherokee were removed. A small but significant number managed to evade the forced march, hiding in the mountains of North Carolina or negotiating for land in their ancestral territory. These individuals and their descendants formed what is known today as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), based on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Over time, another distinct group, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB), also emerged as a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma, maintaining a strong emphasis on traditional Keetoowah culture and spirituality.

Thus, when speaking of "the Cherokee Nation" today, it is crucial to understand that there are three distinct, federally recognized Cherokee tribes:

1. The Cherokee Nation (CN): The largest of the three, headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. With over 450,000 enrolled citizens worldwide, it is the largest tribal nation in the United States. Its citizens primarily reside within its 14-county reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.
2. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI): Based in Cherokee, North Carolina, with a reservation known as the Qualla Boundary. It comprises descendants of those who avoided removal.
3. The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB): Also located in Oklahoma, this band holds a unique identity rooted in the Keetoowah Nighthawk Society, a traditionalist group focused on preserving ancient Cherokee customs.

While sharing a common heritage, these three entities are separate sovereign governments, each with its own leadership, laws, and distinct cultural practices. The Cherokee Nation (CN) is often the most referenced due to its size and extensive reach.

Modern-Day Sovereignty and Economic Powerhouse

The Cherokee Nation (CN) today is a powerful and self-sufficient government, operating much like a state within a state. It is led by an elected Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief, and a legislative body called the Tribal Council. They maintain a sophisticated judicial system, a robust health care system, and numerous departments dedicated to education, housing, social services, and environmental protection.

Sovereignty is not merely a historical concept but a lived reality for the Cherokee Nation. They engage in a nation-to-nation relationship with the United States federal government, asserting their inherent right to self-governance. This was powerfully reaffirmed by the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which recognized the Cherokee Nation’s reservation (and those of other Five Tribes in Oklahoma) as Indian Country, significantly impacting tribal jurisdiction and law enforcement.

Economically, the Cherokee Nation is a powerhouse. Its diversified portfolio includes gaming (casinos), health services, manufacturing, energy, hospitality, and tourism. Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), the tribe’s economic engine, is one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma. The revenue generated through these enterprises is reinvested directly into tribal services and programs for its citizens, funding hospitals, schools, housing initiatives, language revitalization efforts, and elder care.

"Our economic success isn’t just about profit; it’s about providing for our people, preserving our culture, and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come," Chief Hoskin Jr. stated in a recent address. "Every dollar we earn goes back into building our nation."

Cultural Revitalization and a Vibrant Future

Despite the historical trauma of removal, the Cherokee Nation has remained steadfast in its commitment to cultural preservation and revitalization. The Cherokee language, once endangered, is now the focus of intensive immersion programs for children and adults. Elders, who are the keepers of traditional knowledge, are revered and their wisdom actively sought out.

Traditional arts, such as basket weaving, pottery, and carving, are thriving. Ceremonies and stomp dances continue to be practiced, connecting contemporary Cherokee citizens to the spiritual and communal traditions of their ancestors. Storytelling remains a vital part of cultural transmission, passing down lessons, humor, and history.

The Cherokee Nation also plays a significant role in advocating for Indigenous rights on a national and international stage, working to educate the public about Native American history and contemporary issues. They have taken active roles in discussions about federal Indian policy, repatriation of artifacts, and the protection of sacred sites.

In conclusion, "Who are the Cherokee Nation?" is a question best answered by observing their enduring spirit. They are the inheritors of an ancient and profound civilization, survivors of unimaginable hardship, and architects of a thriving modern nation. They are a testament to the power of self-determination, the importance of cultural identity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. From the ashes of the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee Nation has not merely endured; it has flourished, standing as a beacon of resilience and a powerful force for the future of Indigenous peoples.