Does The Syllabary Affect The Preservation Of Cherokee Culture

The Cherokee are a Native American tribe that originated in the Southeastern portion of the United States. This area includes the states of North and South Carolina, as well as Georgia. Following the signing of the Indian Removal Act by Congress in 1830, some twenty-thousand Cherokee were forcibly removed from their lands and forced to march to Oklahoma along the infamous Trail of Tears. Despite the government’s efforts, some Cherokee managed to avoid this horrific fate and create hidden settlements in portions of western North Carolina and northern Georgia. The descendants of these settlers later became the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The film, The Snowbird Cherokee, introduces us to the Snowbirds, a subgroup of the Eastern Band. Retaining cultural

Probably the most influential has been teaching young schoolchildren the Cherokee syllabary. Developed by George Guess (more commonly known as Sequoyah) in the early 19th century, the syllabary was a pivotal step towards promoting literacy among the Cherokee (Cherokee). Its development also ensured a “backup” to the oral tradition of passing down knowledge and also “helped give the Cherokee pride” (The). Though the syllabary and spoken world were banned in government schools in the 19th century, both are now considered essential to preserving and promoting Cherokee culture (The). Many traditional ceremonies, dances, and rituals are also routinely observed. There are various reconnection events with tribes that moved to Oklahoma. One of these is the Trail of Tears gospel sing (The). The Fading Voices festival is celebrated annually and commemorates musical traditions, craft-making, and Cherokee cuisine (The). Native craftsmanship as a whole has seen a resurfacing in the Snowbird County and surrounding counties. These include basket weaving and flute making (The). Oconaluftee Indian Village in neighboring Cherokee county is a hotspot for the crafting of these wares. A less conventional but still important application of Cherokee values appears in the area of alcohol and drug addiction treatment (The). Although Graham County

The best example of these is the group residing in neighboring Cherokee county, which the Snowbirds refer to as “white Cherokees” (The). Through marriage with whites and other races, these “white Cherokee” are no longer full-blooded or even half-blooded native and are somewhat resented by the full-blooded Cherokee. The Snowbirds cite their lack of upholding Cherokee traditions or language as one of their reasons for resenting them (The). In addition, Cherokee county is more of a tourist trap than a historical landmark. It misrepresents Cherokee culture, in that the regalia, garb, and living conditions presented are more characteristic of Plains Indian culture than Cherokee culture (The). It is very ironic that “Cherokee” dress in this manner in order to cater to the interests of white tourists, who are expecting to see something reminiscent of old western films. To some, this is a “selling out” of culture and beliefs for money down the road (The). Misrepresenting a culture in this manner is an unacceptable action that perpetuates stereotypes and prolongs misunderstandings with that group. It also indirectly hinders Cherokee attempts at preserving their own