The history of the Cherokee Nation has been a long and winding road from ancient traditions and self governance to survival and a return to self determination. Throughout the ups and downs successes and tragedies, the one constant has been a strong sense of identity. To be Cherokee is to be proud of a common heritage. In this survey of Cherokee history, the authors have used selected stories and key leaders to trace the challenges and opportunities that have shaped tribal identity. The narrative spans more than four centuries with an emphasis on individual leadership, the struggle for internal unity, and the fight against the forces that attempted to destroy the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. Hopefully, the reader will connect the dots of history to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Cherokee in the Twenty-first Century.

Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self Determination, and Identity

Bob Blackburn

Duane King

Neil Morton

Cherokee Nation

In Building One Fire, Chad Smith and renowned Cherokee-Osage scholar and author Rennard Strickland present a unique look at Cherokee art through the lens of Cherokee philosophy. Since the time when Water Spider brought the gift offire to the Cherokee people, the One Fire, “the Ancient Lady,” has been at the center of Cherokee spiritual life.
From this fire, which represents community, thewhite smoke of prayer rises to Nitsudunvha, One Who is Always Above. In return Nitsudunvha sends to each person four sets of gifts with whichto develop mind, body, and spirit. These gifts are brought by four messengers, one from each of thecardinal directions. The gifts of the four messengers, the colors and qualities associated with them, and the four-pointcircle that embraces the sacred fire—all these arepart of Cherokee consciousness and creativity.They take visible form, subtly or directly, in works created by Cherokee artists.
This book presents more than 200 art-works by some 80 artists which speak to what it means to be Cherokee. Cherokee philosopher Benny Smith shares his teachings about Cherokee world view, Cherokee art is laid before the reader in a visual feast, and a special endingsection celebrates the vivaciousness of child artists who represent the next generation’s creative Cherokee citizens.

Building One Fire: Art and World View in Cherokee Life

Arts & Photography

Strickland, Rennard

Smith, Mr. Chad Corntassel

Smith, Benny

History & Criticism

“The legend says that a long time ago we lived on land surrounded by water that we couldn’t drink . . .” —Traditional beginning to Cherokee stories Cherokee origin stories have been handed down over thousands of years. They intertwine to form a rich history of oral and artistic traditions that tell the Cherokee story. The vast array of art objects unearthed from prehistoric mounds throughout the southeastern United States evidence the antiquity of this rich cultural history. To some, these may be artifacts, but to the Cherokee people, they are tribal history: objects that were touched by ancestors, ancestors who have continued to teach their skills through gifts they left behind to be discovered.    Stories in this book reflect how history has woven itself into the fabric of the present. The stories are intimate and told by the artists, by family members, by friends in their own words. The telling will make you feel as though you are fortunate enough to sit in the presence of the Cherokee artists, who intimately share the story of themselves, of their art, who their family was, how they came to be artists, who and what influenced them, and how their art reflects who they are as Cherokee people. They are the Cherokee National Treasures.    The Cherokee National Treasure Award was established in 1988 by the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee National Historical Society. Currently, there are ninety-four individuals who have been designated Cherokee National Treasures. They have all been recognized not only for their roles as artisans, but also for their roles as teachers, mentors, and advocates. The award recipients have preserved and perpetuated traditional and contemporary artistic methods and practices, ensuring that their arts and skills are not lost. These powerful stories of Cherokee National Treasures are captivating and leave lasting impressions of Cherokee life, values, and artistic traditions—cultural treasures that continue into the twenty-first century.

Cherokee National Treasures: In Their Own Words

Biographies & Memoirs

Community & Culture

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Books by Cherokee Nation