Cherokee Tribe

http://www.cherokee.org/

The website I have chosen is an organisation that was founded by Cherokee Indians. A federally recognised organisation who claim to be the 'largest tribal nation in the United States'. The Cherokee's mission is as follows; "The Cherokee Nation is committed to protecting our inherent sovereignty, preserving and promoting Cherokee culture, language and values, and improving the quality of life for the next seven generations of Cherokee citizens." 

The Cherokee Tribe, one of the largest in American history were originally located throughout the American Deep South. Most notably in Oklahoma, however parts of the Cherokee 'nation' were found as far away as North Carolina. Progressively pushed back by those taking their land, the Cherokee's found themselves finally settling in Oklahoma, the same place that still practices the Cherokee rituals today. From reading the 1828 census, I have deduced that there were 13,518 Cherokee Indians spread out in different districts. The census also mentions how many non Cherokee were married to Indians. Something I find rather extraordinary given the year. If it were later in the century it would be more plausible.

The Cherokee Indians were more advanced in terms of their social standing than other tribes. An example of them being more socially advanced is when you look at the names of some of them. Many of the Cherokee's were earning English names. An example is William Penn, not the William Penn but nonetheless a very English name. The others are still holding Indian names: His Shield (Yanktonai), Levi Big Eagle (Yanktonai), Bear Ghost (Yanktonai) and Black Moustache (Sisseton). This image was taken in 1909.

Today, the Cherokee Nation are responsible for keeping the traditions and culture of the tribe. They have over 300,000 members which is a massive amount for the number of actual Cherokee Indians there were. The group today consists not only of descendants but also of those who are married into Cherokee families. As well as many other tribes across the US who want to keep traditional values alive in the 21st century.