Native American Series - The Cherokee Nation, Part 2
This is a continuation of the history of the Cherokee nation. My first article left off with the "Trail of Tears," describing how the Cherokee had been forced (illegally) to leave their lands in Georgia, where they had become some of the richest Americans, and had contributed significantly to the economy and to the education of not only themselves, but to the Americans around them. But the Cherokee, being a resourceful people, have turned lemons into lemonade and have made significant advancements in industry and education, as shown below.
As of the year 2000, the Cherokee Nation numbered more than 300,000 members, and was considered the largest Native American group in the United States.
Modern Cherokee Projects
Since the "Trail of Tears," the Cherokee Nation developed significant real estate, corporate, entertainment, health, agricultural and business projects, which included casinos. They also have their own National defense programs.
The Cherokee are concerned with the Arts as well: they participate in the Cherokee Nation Film Festivals, and in the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and have built structures to house artifacts and aesthetic cultural items, as shown below.
Education was highly valued. Among other educational institutions, the CN built the large building shown at right, the one with the clock tower. It served as the Cherokee Female Seminary, was built in 1889, and is located in Northeastern State University campus, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
The Cherokee National Capitol is pictured at right. It is located at 100 South Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was built in 1867.
Culture, History and Language 2nd of 10 parts
The Eastern Band
Some of the Cherokee managed to evade eviction, and they stayed in the Carolinas. They became known as the Eastern Band. They formed the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. in 1940, and is considered the oldest on-going Native American art co-operative. Two years prior to the printing of this article, they began to print - among other things - fine art and text books using their syllabary, the written language I mentioned in my first article. Because of the use of their own written language, and the depiction of their art and culture, those documents are very unique, and I'm sure will soon greatly increase in value.
Poverty Among the Cherokee:
- Poverty in the Cherokee Nation Oklahoma - YouTube
This video represents poverty stricken areas in Delaware County. The houses shown are inhabitied by Elders who have lived in these houses for generations. No...
Another "Trail of Tears?"
Regarding the above controversy, the author has not thoroughly studied the issue, but will provide the views of others to give equal time for the plaintiffs: