What was the Cherokee social structure?
Cherokee society is historically a matrilineal society and clanship is attained through the mother. Prior to Oklahoma statehood, the women were considered the head of household, and the home and children belonged to her should she separate from a husband.
What type of relationship did the Cherokee have with the British?
The Cherokee had a long history of peaceful interactions with British settlers, beginning when the two groups became trading partners in the late seventeenth century. Their economic partnership eventually evolved into a military alliance, with the Cherokee aiding British forces in 1712 in battle against the Tuscarora.
What qualifies you as Cherokee?
A final federal census called the Dawes Rolls was taken of tribal citizens living here from 1898-1906. To be eligible for Cherokee Nation citizenship, a person must have one or more direct ancestors listed on Dawes.
How is the Cherokee tribe leadership organized?
In the past, each Cherokee band was led by one war chief and one peace chief. Cherokee chiefs were chosen by a tribal council. Cherokee war chiefs were male, but the peace chief could be a woman. Today, Cherokee tribal councils and chiefs can be either gender and are popularly elected, like senators and governors.
What was the Cherokee family structure?
Cherokee families were based on matrilineal clans. Matrilineal clans are extended family groups with names, tradition, and oral history. Membership in each clan is through the mother: you belong to your mother’s clan. To be without a clan was to be without human identity.
How do I know if I have Cherokee blood?
The Cherokee Heritage Center has a genealogist available to assist in researching Cherokee ancestry for a fee. Call 918-456-6007 visit www.cherokeeheritage.org. If you need further genealogy assistance at other times, the Muskogee Public Library, 801 West Okmulgee in Muskogee, Okla., may be able to help.
Did the Cherokee side with the King?
The first phase took place from 1776 to 1783, in which the Cherokee fought as allies of the Kingdom of Great Britain against the American colonies.
How was the Cherokee tribe affected by the Europeans?
The Spaniards marched across Cherokee land in their search for gold, taking slaves and demanding food and tribute. Perhaps the worst effect of the encounter was the devastating diseases they brought, such as smallpox, measles, and syphilis, against which the Cherokee and other Native Americans had no immunity.
How do I prove my Cherokee blood?
The tribe will send your information to the Bureau of Indian Affairs which will issue you a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood that certifies your Cherokee tribe affiliation and blood quantum. This certification, otherwise known as a white card, proves Cherokee ancestry.