The Cherokee are a Native American people who have a rich and complex history. Originally, the Cherokee lived in the southeastern United States, in what is now Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They were part of the larger group of Native American tribes known as the Five Civilized Tribes, which also included the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole.
The Cherokee were skilled farmers and hunters, and they developed a sophisticated system of government, with a written constitution and a system of courts and laws. They also had a strong tradition of oral storytelling and a rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and art.
In the early 1800s, the United States government forced the Cherokee, along with many other Native American tribes, to relocate to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) through a series of forced removals known as the Trail of Tears. This forced relocation resulted in the deaths of thousands of Cherokee people, and it is considered one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Despite the hardships they faced, the Cherokee have managed to preserve their culture and traditions. Today, there are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, with more than 370,000 enrolled tribal citizens.
The Cherokee have a strong and vibrant culture, with many traditional and contemporary arts, crafts, and music. They also have a strong commitment to education, with numerous educational institutions, including tribal colleges and universities, serving the Cherokee community. The Cherokee Nation has its own language, Cherokee, which is taught in tribal schools and language immersion programs.
Overall, the Cherokee have a rich and diverse background, with a long and complex history that has shaped their culture and traditions. Despite the challenges they have faced, they have remained a strong and vibrant community, preserving their culture and traditions and working to build a better future for themselves and future generations.