Wahnenauhi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wahnenauhi
Wahnenauhi, c.1900
Born	c. 1831
Died	1912 (approx. 81 years)
Occupation	Writer
Notable work	Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Together with Some of their Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions

Wahnenauhi (born Lucy Lowrey Hoyt Keys; around 1831 – 1912) was a Cherokee woman. She wrote important stories about the history and culture of the Cherokee people. Her writings were published in 1889 by a group called the Bureau of American Ethnology.

Her collection of writings, titled Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Together with Some of their Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions, shares historical facts, old legends, traditional ways, and stories. These writings show many parts of Cherokee culture. Wahnenauhi wrote her book when many people wanted Cherokees to adopt the ways of white society. Her work is often seen as a way to push back against that idea.

Wahnenauhi's Early Life

Wahnenauhi was born on September 26, 1831, in Willstown, Alabama. Her father was Dr. Milo Hoyt, and her mother was Lydia Lowrey, a Cherokee woman. Wahnenauhi came from an important Cherokee family. This meant she received a good education.

She was one of the first students to graduate from the Cherokee Female Seminary in February 1855. Her family was well-known and had mixed Native American heritage. She was also related by marriage to the main Cherokee leader, John Ross.

Growing up, Wahnenauhi was expected to fit into white society. But she also had to keep a strong connection to her Indigenous heritage. This struggle influenced her later writings a lot. Wahnenauhi joined other Native American women writers, like Narcissa Chisholm Owen and Sarah Winnemucca. They worked to bring back traditional Native American practices through education and writing.

Her Important Writings

Wahnenauhi's book, Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Together with Some of their Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions, describes many traditional Cherokee ways. It includes their practices, teachings, stories, and histories. In September 1889, when she was 58 years old, Wahnenauhi sent her writings to the Bureau of Ethnology. This group is now known as the Bureau of American Ethnology.

She sent a note offering her 70-page book for editing and publishing. In November 1889, the Bureau of Ethnology bought the rights to her book for $10.00. They then published her detailed record of the Cherokee people.

Wahnenauhi's Lasting Impact

Wahnenauhi's work is seen as a very important part of the Native American traditionalist movements. These movements happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her book was written around the same time as many other writers in this movement.

Her writings aimed to preserve the old ways of the Cherokee people by telling their stories again. She helped make sure these traditions would not be forgotten.