Redbird Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Redbird Smith
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| Chief of the Nighthawk Keetoowahs; Tribal councilor from the Illinois District of the Cherokee Nation, 1887, 1889 leader | |
| Succeeded by | Levi Gritts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1850 Near Fort Smith, Arkansas |
| Died | November 8, 1918 |
| Resting place | Redbird Smith Cemetery, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma |
| Spouse | Lucy Fields Smith |
| Relations | Great-grandson, Chad "Corntassel" Smith |
| Children | Sam Smith; eight sons, two daughters |
| Parents | Pig Redbird Smith, Lizzie Hildebrand Smith |
| Known for | Cherokee traditionalist and political activist, who helped found the Nighthawk Keetoowah Society and revitalized traditional spirituality; opposed the Dawes Allotment Act |
Redbird Smith (born To-Juwah Sequanitah, Cherokee) (1850–1918) was an important leader and activist for the Cherokee people in what was then called Indian Territory. He strongly believed in keeping traditional Cherokee ways alive. He also helped start the Keetoowah Nighthawk Society, a group that worked to bring back and strengthen traditional Cherokee spiritual beliefs and practices.
Contents
Growing Up: Redbird Smith's Early Life
Redbird Smith was born on July 19, 1850, into a Cherokee family. This was in Indian Territory, near where Fort Smith, Arkansas is today. His father, Pig Redbird Smith, got his last name from European Americans because he was a blacksmith. His mother was Lizzie (Hildebrand) Smith.
Family Traditions and Values
Redbird Smith's parents were strong believers in Cherokee traditions. They had been forced to move from Georgia to Indian Territory. When Redbird Smith was ten, his father dedicated him to serving the Cherokee people. This was done following old Cherokee customs.
Fighting for Cherokee Rights: Political Activism
In the late 1800s, the United States government created the Dawes Commission. This group was meant to register members of Native American tribes. Their goal was to divide tribal lands among individual families. The government hoped this would make Native Americans adopt a farming lifestyle like European Americans. Any land left over would be sold, even to non-Native people.
Opposing the Dawes Act
Redbird Smith led a movement to resist the Dawes Allotment Act. He wanted the Cherokee people to return to their traditional religious beliefs and values. He believed this was important for their identity and future.
Serving the Cherokee Nation
From 1887 to 1889, Smith served as a tribal councilor. He represented the Illinois District of the Cherokee Nation.
Redbird Smith's Vision for His People
In the early 1900s, Smith shared his strong beliefs:
"I have always believed that the Great Creator had a great design for my people, the Cherokees. I have been taught that from my childhood up and now in my mature manhood I recognize it as a great truth. Our forces have been dissipated by the external forces, perhaps it has been just a training, but we must now get together as a race and render our contribution to mankind. We are endowed with intelligence, we are industrious, we are loyal and we are spiritual but we are overlooking the Cherokee mission on earth, for no man nor race is endowed with these qualifications without a designed purpose... Our pride in our ancestral heritage is our great incentive for handing something worthwhile to our posterity. It is this pride in ancestry that makes men strong and loyal for their principal in life. It is this same pride that makes men give up their all for their Government."
He believed the Cherokee people had a special purpose and should work together. He felt their pride in their history would help them stay strong and loyal.
Leading the Nighthawk Keetoowahs
Smith worked to bring back important tribal items, like wampum belts. In 1910, he became the chief of the Nighthawk Keetoowahs. Before that, he had been their chairman.
That same year, Smith and other Nighthawks traveled to Mexico. They had a document from 1820 that supported Cherokee land claims there. However, the Mexican government did not agree with their claims. In 1914, he asked President Woodrow Wilson to create a special Keetoowah reservation. The U.S. government said no, as they wanted Native Americans to blend into American society.
Creating a Traditional Community
In 1921, one hundred Cherokee people from 35 families moved together. They settled in the southeastern part of Cherokee County, Oklahoma. This move was Redbird Smith's idea, aiming to create a traditional community.
Redbird Smith's Family Life
Redbird Smith married Lucy Fields. She was born in Braggs, Indian Territory in 1852. Her parents were Richard Fields and Eliza (née Brewer) Fields. Redbird and Lucy Smith had ten children who grew up, including eight sons and two daughters.
One of their descendants is their great-grandson, Chad Smith. He later became a Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Redbird Smith's Legacy
Redbird Smith passed away on November 8, 1918, after being sick for two days. He is buried in the Redbird Smith Cemetery in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.
He served as chief of the Nighthawk Keetoowahs until his death. Levi Gritts took over for a short time. Then, on April 7, 1919, Redbird Smith's son, Sam Smith, became the chief.
The Redbird Smith ceremonial ground is still active today. Redbird Smith, Oklahoma, a town in Sequoyah County, was named after him. Every year on July 19, people celebrate his birthday at the ceremonial ground.
See also
