Flag of the Cherokee Nation facts for kids

The current flag of the Cherokee Nation (of Oklahoma)

The flag of the Cherokee Nation is an important symbol for the Cherokee people. It was officially chosen by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma on October 9, 1978. This flag helps represent the history and spirit of the Cherokee Nation.

The modern Cherokee Nation flag displayed at the tomb of Will Rogers in Claremore.

About the Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation is the biggest of the three main Cherokee tribes recognized by the United States government. It was first recognized in 1941. The tribe wrote its own constitution, or set of rules, in 1976. This constitution helped create the "Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma."

What the Cherokee Nation Flag Looks Like

Congressional nominee Kimberly Teehee of the Cherokee Nation stands in front of the Nation's flag, the flag of the United States, and the flag of Oklahoma in 2019.

This collection of United States Seals was registered by the Library of Congress in 1876. When enlarged, there is a seal towards the lower-left corner representing the Cherokee Nation with the words "Cherokee Nation Ind. Ter." included as the label.

The flag was designed by Stanley John. The Cherokee Tribal Council approved it in 1978. The flag has an orange background. In the middle, you'll see the "Great Seal of the Cherokee Nation."

Seven yellow stars with seven points surround the seal. Each star points towards the center star of the seal. These seven-pointed stars stand for the seven Cherokee clans.

The flag was updated on September 9, 1989. A black seven-pointed star was added to the top right corner. This black star represents the lives lost during the Trail of Tears. The official flag also has a green and black rope border.

The Cherokee writing on the central seal says: "Tsa la gi yi A ye hli". This means "Cherokee Nation."

Historic Cherokee Flags

The Peace Flag

Old stories say the first Cherokee flag was the Cherokee Peace Flag. It had seven red stars with seven points. These stars were arranged like the Big Dipper constellation. They were placed on a white background.

Stories also say the Cherokee War Flag looked the same. But its colors were swapped.

Flags from the Civil War

In the 1860s, Cherokee soldiers fought in the American Civil War. They were part of the Indian cavalry. These troops carried battle flags that were similar to the first Confederate flag.

One famous flag was the Cherokee Braves Flag. It was used by the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles. This flag had the original "Stars and Bars" design. But it also had five red stars in the middle of the white stars. These red stars represented the Five Civilized Tribes. These tribes were allied with the Confederate States. The red star in the very center stood for the Cherokee Nation itself.

Current Use of the Flag

The flag used by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is unique. It is different from the flag used by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is because their official seals are not the same.