Cherokee

The Cherokee Indians have impacted the Gallup region with its unique qualities of native traditions, arts and crafts, songs & dances, food and its historical and geographical origination. The Cherokees developed their own unique writing system and exists today. Sequoyah developed of the writing system to preserve the Cherokee culture and language.

The Gallup and surrounding areas are fortunate to have representatives from different Indian tribes from all over the country. Many of these people have relocated to the Gallup and surrounding areas. They are educators, administrators in the field of education that have chosen to teach our children in our surrounding schools. Gallup is mecca of multiculturalism at its finest. A Cherokee family from Oklahoma, the Mathis and their sons and daughters of Whitekiller are educators that have chosen to remain in this area for over forty years. Through their conversations, there are acquaintances and relatives that live in the Gallup area. The impact they bring to this area is through the educational system of GMCS and other schools in the area.

Teaching Native Americans

http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=

http://www.powersource.com/cocinc/articles/greet.htm

Cherokee Traveler's Greeting

I will draw thorns from your feet.
We will walk the White Path of Life together.
Like a brother of my own blood,
I will love you.
I will wipe tears from your eyes.
When you are sad,
I will put your aching heart to rest.

http://www.imagesbuilder.com/cherokee/crafts.html

            The Cherokee
                                   "Trail of Tears"
                                                   1838-1839

http://www.rosecity.net/tears/

Cherokee Art-Crafts

http://www.imagesbuilder.com/cherokee/crafts.html

           The Cherokee
                                 Trail of Tears
                                          Timeline
                                        1838-1839

1838
February	15,665 people of the Cherokee Nation memorialize congress protesting the Treaty of New Echola.
March	Outraged American citizens throughout the country memorialize congress on behalf of the Cherokee.
April	Congress tables memorials protesting Cherokee removal. Federal troops ordered to prepare for roundup.
May	Cherokee roundup begins May 23, 1838. Southeast suffers worst drought in recorded history. Tsali escapes roundup and returns to North Carolina.
June	First group of Cherokees driven west under Federal guard. Further removal aborted because of drought and "sickly season."
July	Over 13,000 Cherokees imprisoned in military stockades awaiting break in drought. Approximately 1500 die in confinement.
August	In Aquohee stockade Cherokee chiefs meet in council, reaffirming the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. John Ross becomes superintendent of the removal.
September	Drought breaks: Cherokee prepare to embark on forced exodus to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Ross wins additional funds for food and clothing.
October	For most Cherokee, the "Trail of Tears" begins.
November	Thirteen contingents of Cherokees cross Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. First groups reach the Mississippi River, where there crossing is held up by river ice flows.
December	Contingent led by Chief Jesse Bushyhead camps near present day Trail of Tears Park. John Ross leaves Cherokee homeland with last group: carrying the records and laws of the Cherokee Nation. 5000 Cherokees trapped east of the Mississippi by harsh winter; many die.
1839
January	First overland contingents arrives at Fort Gibson. Ross party of sick and infirm travel from Kentucky by riverboat.
February	Chief Ross's wife, Quati, dies near Little Rock, Arkansas on February 1, 1839.
March	Last group headed by Ross, reaches Oklahoma. More than 3000 Cherokee die on Trail of Tears, 1600 in stockades and about the same number en route. 800 more die in 1839 in Oklahoma.
April	Cherokees build houses, clear land, plant and begin to rebuild their nation.
May	Western Cherokee invite new arrivals to meet to establish a united Cherokee government.
June	Old Treaty Part leaders attempt to foil reunification negotiations between Ross and Sequoyah. Treaty Party leaders John Ridge, Major Ridge and Elias Boudinot assassinated.
July	Cherokee Act of Union brings together the eastern and western Cherokee Nations on July 12, 1839.
August	Stand Watie, Brother of Boudinot, pledges revenge for deaths of party leaders.
September	Cherokee constitution adopted on September 6, 1839. Tahlequah established as capital of the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee Language and its history

http://www.powersource.com/cocinc/language/history.htm

The Syllabary Pronunciation Key: Animals

http://www.powersource.com/cocinc/language/animals.htm

Cherokee Reading lesson:

http://www.nativenashville.com/tutor_syllabary.htm

Intertribal Dances

http://www.indianhillstradingco.com/61/432.htm?162

Authentic Native Recipes

http://www.primeindia.com/odp/index.cgi?/Home/Cooking/World_Cuisines/North_American/Native_American/

Cherokee Syllabary

http://www.nativenashville.com/tutor_syllabary.htm