Cherokee (disambiguation) facts for kids

The Cherokee are a famous Native American tribe. They originally lived in the southeastern United States. This area includes parts of what are now North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. The Cherokee people have a rich history and culture. They are known for their strong community and unique traditions. Today, many Cherokee people live in Oklahoma and North Carolina.

Who Are the Cherokee People?

The Cherokee are one of the largest Native American groups in the United States. They are also known as the Aniyunwiya, which means "Principal People" in their own language. For thousands of years, the Cherokee lived in the Appalachian Mountains. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and craftspeople.

Early Life and Culture

The traditional Cherokee homeland was a large area. It included parts of eight modern states. The Cherokee lived in towns with many families. Their homes were often made of wood and clay. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. Hunting deer and other animals was also important for food and materials.

Cherokee Language and Writing

The Cherokee language is called Tsalagi. It is part of the Iroquoian language family. In the early 1800s, a Cherokee man named Sequoyah created a writing system. This system is called the Cherokee Syllabary. It allowed the Cherokee people to read and write in their own language. This was a huge step forward for their culture. It helped them create their own newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix.

Cherokee Government and Society

The Cherokee had a well-organized government. They had a national council and a chief. Their society was based on clans, which are like large family groups. Each clan had certain duties and responsibilities. This system helped keep their communities strong and peaceful.

Challenges and Changes

As European settlers moved west, the Cherokee faced many challenges. They tried to live peacefully with the new settlers. They even adopted some of their ways, like writing a constitution. However, their land was very valuable.

The Trail of Tears

In the 1830s, the United States government forced many Cherokee people to leave their homes. This event is known as the Trail of Tears. Thousands of Cherokee were made to walk over 1,000 miles to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. Many people, especially children and elders, died during this difficult journey. It was a very sad time in Cherokee history.

Remaining in the East

Not all Cherokee people were forced to move. Some managed to stay in their homeland in the mountains of North Carolina. These people became known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. They worked hard to keep their culture and traditions alive.

The Cherokee Today

Today, the Cherokee people are strong and thriving. There are three main federally recognized Cherokee tribes:

• The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma
• The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma
• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina

These tribes work to preserve their language, history, and culture. They also manage their own governments and businesses. Many Cherokee people are proud of their heritage and work to educate others about their history.

Modern Cherokee Culture

Cherokee culture continues to be vibrant. Many people still speak the Cherokee language. Traditional arts like basket weaving, pottery, and storytelling are still practiced. Festivals and ceremonies help keep their traditions alive for new generations. The Cherokee people have contributed greatly to the United States. They continue to be an important part of its diverse cultural fabric.

See also

In Spanish: Cherokee para niños