“Ask an Elder”
There are many questions and few elders. This blog will be populated with your Q&A found in the comments.
Please comment with your questions and we’ll promote this blog to the Cherokee elders who may have the answers that you seek.
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Are there any records from the 1800 of children who where ‘lost’?
By this I mean either taken or adopted away from the tribe and family.
My gGrandma was separated as a child and we know almost nothing of her birth family.
We do not even know if her first name was given by her birth family or the ones who raised her. She was born in North-West NC is about all we know for sure.
Is her story and history a dead end?
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Hello i’m not sure how to go about this. I was told since i’m cherokee in need my Indian card. Not sure what that mean’s i was adopted so i’ll use maiden name Clinton Eugen Ismael. If you can help me that whould be great:-)
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Probably the first thing you will need to do is go back to the County and State from which you were adopted and ask for your birth and adoption records to be unsealed. You have to trace your Cherokee blood from one of your ancestors so you need your parents names and their family lineage to find out if the Cherokee blood comes from your biological mother or father. From there you will have to do a trace of the family with the Cherokee blood back to the enrolled ancestor for their enrollment information. You will also need to determine if your family was Eastern (North Carolina) or Western (Oklahoma) Cherokee. There are many websites and books that can help you with this task. You can buy them online, in a bookstore or possibly check them out from your local library. There are also people that you can hire to do a trace – call the Eastern Cherokee Headquarters or the Western Cherokee Headquarters and ask about help with tracing your Cherokee line. They will be able to put you in touch with someone. You can visit your local Genealogical Society – there genealogist that you can pay to do a trace or sometimes there will be volunteers just wanting to help out who can steer you in the right direction. Good luck.
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You would need to contact the Eastern Cherokee Nation to get an answer to this question. There may be records you can check on in the National Archives but any from the early 1800’s would be hard to find. Even the census’ done in the early 1800’s don’t have much detail. They originally only listed the name of the head of household and then how many men of a certain age and how many women of a certain age, etc. It was in 1830 or 1840 before they began listing every persons name that was in the house. You need to also remember that many of the courthouses where records were originally kept were burned down during the Civil War or burned from accidents over the years – both before and after the Civil War. And any Indian Agents that were supposed to keep records didn’t always keep good records. Many of our people’s children were taken with no records to speak of. There are people of many different nations who never registered for fear of having their children and their homes taken and who didn’t trust the whites. There are many Natives who don’t have Tribal Enrollment cards or BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) cards because of that. Good luck.
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How do we determine are actual Elders? I am Cherokee and do not want to follow a fake Elder.
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First of all, you need to explain to me exactly what you mean by Elder. Elder’s are usually people that you know, have grown up around, have met through friends or family and that basically are much older than you. An Elder is not a Medicine Person, Shaman or Holy Person. We are simply looked on as people with more living experience than younger people and hopefully more wisdom. If you have met someone who is active in the tribe and is willing to teach you about Cherokee culture and history, then you can sit back, watch and listen how the rest of the community treats this person and reacts to them. You can meet an Elder at Powwows, at Community meetings or feeds through friends or family. If you are sincere in learning from them, they will be able to tell. Be sure you offer to help at such events and pay attention to the needs of the Elders. They will also be watching you.
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I don’t know a whole lot about my fathers’ family. Just enough to know that we are of Cherokee decent. I have tried to find what information that I can with what I know but it doesn’t seem to be enough. I know that we have family in Lawton, Oklahoma. But that is all I know…I don’t know any names. The only names I have are my grandfathers’ family name and grandmothers’ family name. Not to mention where there families came from. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I take a lot of proud in knowing my heritage, took a lot of bullying in school because I love my family history. I feel that knowing where I come from also lets me know why I am the way I am. Also as to why I can withstand ridicule, abuse,and prejudice. Mitakuye Oyasin
Mrs. Barbara Jackson (Melton)
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Please read my reply to Clinton Gilmore. It should help you with your search. Yours will be easier than Mr. Gilmore’s since you know your family names. Contact the Western Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Ok. Their website has phone numbers and addresses. They should be able to help you some. Also local genealogist can help you trace the families. Many libraries and genealogy centers have copies of the Cherokee Roll Books or can do an interlibrary loan for 2 weeks to other libraries. Good luck.
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It was told to me by my mother that her grandmother was taken by an Indian chief as a child. I want to know is there anyway to find out if this is true or not??
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Please read my comments above. Was your grandmother adopted by this man or living as his wife and had children by him or what? You would need to do the genealogy of your grandmother’s family to find where they lived and if there was a local Native nation near. Depending on the time frame this was to have happened there might be newspaper records or records in the National Archives. Without more information it would be hard for me to steer you in any certain direction. Good luck.
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Mu grandmothers middle name was Osceola. Could this be Cherokee or only Seminole?
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It could be that it was given as a reminder of the place she was born, as a tribute to a friend who bore that name or for many other reasons. You would need to find out more about your family history, where they lived, who their neighbors were, if any of her family fought in any of the Native wars, etc. Doing family genealogy is the easiest way to do that. And I would suggest you go farther back than your grandmothers generation because sometimes names are passed down. I found the name Sarah Mexico in my family history and couldn’t figure out why someone would name a child that until I discovered that this woman was born during the Mexican war period. There is also the name Pleasant for men that has been passed down and it came from a neighbor and good friend of my gr-gr-gr-grandfather’s whose family eventually married with mine. There were certain rules of how a child was named in the South before, during and after the Civil War. There were many different Nations that fought in the Civil War and good friendships were made. So, to an extent, there could be cordial relations between the whites, mixed and full bloods. If the Natives found a white man or woman that was honest with them and could be trusted, then they might name a child after him or the place they were as a remembrance. Good luck.
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I have a memory of meeting my Great Grandmother although she died before I was born. Is this common.
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My grandmother came to me in a dream and said “you’re pregnant”. Two weeks later I found out I was. She died 10 years before the dream. I will never forget that.
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Lots of people pick up on stories and pictures from the time they were little and family talked about the ones who had passed on. Those memories can make you feel like you were there. It could be that or maybe she came to you in a dream. As far as asking if things like that are common – messages and signs come to many people for many different reasons. It is not only Natives who have dreams or see signs of things that happened or may happen. Good luck.
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Sister when I was 7 years old I used to go in an open field behind our house. was good size enough for 50 horses. There were 3-4ft grass mounds I would go lay in and look at the clouds. Once well three times I heard singing and drumming coming from the Mounds. I heard it thru my ears and felt the vibrations from the drums. Freaked me out!! I was adopted in 1964 Dec 11 so I don’t know my family. Think I should look into that? Oh and I hear my father He-No all the time he says Hi all. Love our star brothers and sisters!! My name is He-No Hayahawk least that’s what he said. You know he-no’s… Plus I had a dream of this woman in a white buckskin dress and white shawl. I was in this cabin during a hellish snow storm when some unknown man stops by because the storm was so bad. But… Not good! He starts talking weird things and changing a little. I was like man whats worse the storm or him? I go and see how bad the storm is when I open the door I see her in some fenced in square(grave yard?). She opens her shawl and tell me to run and hide. I do and boy was it warm and no wind. Then I wake up. Weird!! I am 50 now just had Bday am wondering why I feel the need to have Council? Anyway thank you very much for your time on this matter. Any help to guide my path is loved and needed. This young one is bitting at the bit!!!
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It might be good to look in to your adoption and see what you can find out. Different state laws vary as to how easy or hard it is to get adoption files open. But it would be worth a try to be able to possibly find your biological medical history as well as delve in to whether or not your biological parents were Native. Good luck with your search.
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I’m not sure how to post my own comment so this is the only way I can ask this question maybe someone can help me, I know it’s ridiculous, but it’s reoccurring and it’s bothering me..Had the weirdest dream last night, but it makes sense, I’m just not sure why.. I dreamt that I was traveling with a tribe and I heard drums… I knew we were stalking something ,I don’t know if it was prey ,person or a tribe … but on the way there the drums got louder and louder . I noticed that a owl I was on an elders shoulder and a big black bear w red hand prints on hind legs was traveling by my side , while followed by black birds, cawing almost like singing with the beat of the drums…lightning struck, the Otters swam away, the panther watched from a great tree and the deer ran with the Bison …we remained with the owl ,crows and Bear and the next lightning struck, a (thunderbird?) came not on a mountain ,but a giant Mound or Hill, it was very energetic, and i woke up crying, but I’m not sad? it felt really real… what does it mean?
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I am of Cherokee on my mothers side and of Lumbee on my fathers side I just want some kind of history into both sides so that I may know my four fathers better and why the Lumbee tribe of NC is not recognized Federally
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You can find part of the answer to your questions in my preceding comments. The best way is to trace your family history through genealogy. You can either pay a genealogist to do it or go to the local Genealogy Society (usually the local library knows them). That is your first order of business. There are also many books in bookstores, online, at your local library or websites such as this one that can give you an idea about the history and culture of the Cherokee and Lumbee.. Be cautious of what you read and believe. The best and most accurate books are listed on the Cherokee Giftshop website and perhaps also on the Lumbee website. As to your question about the Lumbee Nation of North Carolina not being federally recognized – there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of smaller offshoots of the different Nations that formed from Natives whose families never registered, who don’t satisfy the blood quantum degree or who grew up being told they had Native blood. These groups are usually State recognized but not Federally recognized. To get a better answer, I would suggest you contact the Lumbee Nation of North Carolina and ask them why they aren’t federally recognized. It is a time consuming, very long task to be get federal recognition..
Good luck.
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It was told to me by my mother that my great gand mother was taken by an Indian cheif, first is this possible and second how do I find out what my Cherokee heritage is. My great grandmothers name was Lena Mae.and my grandmother was Verna Levitia Edwinds…
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Please read my comments to the preceding questions. Everything you asked can be found in them. Plus your earlier question of Nov. 25, 2012 is answered. Good luck.
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My father passed away when i was a child, before I met him. His mother is dead, and so are his sisters. I would like for my children to know about their culture, and have a deeper understanding. where can i take my children as a family to celebrate their culture and learn more about history, when I never experienced it myself. Where do I go and how can I meet someone to teach me, so that I can teach them?
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Attend a few pow-wows. It’s a rich, family oriented, cultural experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s a wonderful experience.
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Cherokee, North Carolina is a GREAT place to start. Plan your trip in June or July, though. See everything there is to see (Oconaluftee Village, Cherokee Bonfire Storytelling. Unto These Hills drama, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, etc.). Go to their webpage and look at events. Go to the Pow Wow when it is scheduled (was in June this year).
Then travel to East Tennessee to the land of the Overhill Cherokees and follow the Unicoi Trail. Northern Georgia also has some sites.
Then go to Oklahoma to visit the present-day Cherokee Nation.
Enjoy the journey! I am! :0)
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Hi Linda,
Everything happens for a reason, and I think my stumbling on your post was a point in the right direction. My sons are part Cherokee from their father’s side. Not sure how much. But now I have Grandchildren and am looking to teach them about their Cherokee heritage. I am also working a book that deals more with today’s Cherokee way of life and it sounds like you live in the area I am researching. Would you be willing to converse with me on life in Cherokee North Carolina? I have a small blog that I started doing for my research and you can read it at cherokeeresearch.wordpress.com and my contact information is annmccambridge@hotmail.com If you do not have the time or can recommend and elder that I could speak with, I would be very grateful.
Thank you, Ann
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Hi Ann. I sent you an email in response to your post :0)
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To whom this may concern: I was told that one of my mother’s grandparent was cherokee,was does that make me??..please respond to me on facebook…Scott Gower,Florida.
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My grandma died before I got achance to meet her too. Her name was Rose. So I have no memory of her. Of course you remember, I remember My Great grandma.
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You would have to research your family history to find out if one of your ancestors was Cherokee. If you could find an ancestor then you would need to go through the Roll books to see if they were listed. Please see my replies to preceding questions to get started. Good luck.
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Dear sir,I was told that one of my departed mother’s grand parent was in fact cherokee,what would that make me?
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Please see my answers to the preceding questions including yours of Dec. 12, 2012. If you could find a Cherokee ancestor and found proof of their blood quantum then it could be figured out what your blood quantum was. If not, you would simply be a mixed blood Cherokee, although most of the Cherokee Nation believes if you have one drop of Cherokee blood, then you are Cherokee. That belief is very strong and old.
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My Great Grandmother Nancy Jane Fox was said to be Half Cherokee and we can not find much about her on Ancestry.com I think her father was James Fox or Foxx she married Bill Austin In Kentucky he had a farm in Dunnville it was said that he went to south Caroline to get her I had A DNA test done on my Mother and I could not make out all of it it did say she had Indian blood but I could not understand all the other information on thier wed site and have lost it on my computer my Grandmother married Perry Owens from Jamestown Tennessee and they are said to have Indian blood I have been on the Dawes Rolls can find a James Fox but all that is listed with him does not sound like any of my Family
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You would need to go to the local Genealogy Society and ask for help from a volunteer or hire a Genealogist to trace it all for you. There are other Rolls besides the Dawes Roll but it is the most widely used one. The other Rolls show people that were disallowed, put on another Nations Roll, it could be that they didn’t register because they didn’t trust the whites, feared for their families or property or many other reasons. The DNA test will show Native blood but as of yet, I haven’t heard of one that distinguishes an exact Native Nation. It sometimes takes many years and hours of research to find the information you seek – if you are lucky enough to find it. Good luck.
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there is a company called accu-metrics they do tell you what tribe– Im evidently 15% cherokee .
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Julie, From what I gathered it seems there are lots of people who have complaints against Accu-metrics for botching reports. Have you used your report to gain Tribal status, membership or a B.I.A. card? Accu-metrics claims it can be done with their report. I keep up on most of what goes on in the Eastern and Western Cherokee Nations, as well as the Choctaw Nation, and have not heard of their enrollment offices accepting anything such as what Accu-metrics says they can give out. But I will be making some phone calls. I have never heard of anyone being described as 15 % Cherokee. It goes by blood quantum of your parents, grandparents and on back. You can be 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, etc. With each generation, the bloodline gets weaker. My grandchildren are 5/64 Choctaw. Their children will not be eligible for enrollment in the tribe unless the Choctaw Nation changes the blood quantum – which they have done very few times. Please let me know if you manage to trace your family and gain enrollment. The Enrollment Process has to have your family line that can be traced back to someone on the Rolls. But if you can gain enrollment with only the report that Accu-metrics gave you, I know some full bloods who would gladly pay $125 for the test, since their families never signed up on the rolls, so they do not have Tribal Enrollment. Please keep me posted on your progress. Thanks.
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I am 1/16 Cherokee, My great great grandmother was full blooded cherokee the sister of a cheif, I would like to know more of my cherokee heratiage. My childeren have cherokee from my side and cherokee and blackfoot on their fathers. We do not know how much on his since his mother was adopted as a child. I sometimes feel that it is calling me, I sometimes hum a tune that could be cherokee but I am not sure if maybe I made it up. I live in Missouri and wonder if there is anywhere near that would welcome us and teach us. Thank you.
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My Dads Mother, Mini (Hearsel) Ballard told me as a very young child “To seek the truth about my ancestors”, She said I’m related to Crazy Horse, thru her side of the family. My Dad was very upset because he didn’t want me to know. She passed away and never told me the names of my people. My family is all dead and I want to know. The blood rises in me and I can feel them calling to me to find out. Can you help me?
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I am here
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You can call me 583-4013.
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Honor your ancestors and seek to learn their ways and who they are. I know that feeling – I have it, too. And unbelievably I live in the exact location that my ancestors from seven generations back and beyond live.
I had NEVER been to Tennessee in my life, but something was calling me here. I did not know what (or who), but on the day my father died I drove through here and knew in my heart this is where I needed to live. Eight months later (and some miracles) I moved here to Cherokee Overhill Country. I just found out last year (9 years after moving here) while doing some genealogical research that all of my Cherokee ancestors were from HERE. I mean like within 15 miles of my house. I bout had a fit of “Oh my gosh! I cannot believe this!” But you know what, I DO believe it and I know I was called here for a reason.
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Your question is being asked on a Cherokee site. You need to ask it on the Lakota Sioux site. There are a few really good books on Crazy Horse, he was indeed a great man. You would need to trace your family through genealogy and the rolls of the Sioux.
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Sally, please read my answers to other queries on here as well as the one I left tonight, Jan. 1, 2017. This is the Cherokee page, you need to look on the Sioux page for information as to finding out if you are Native or Sioux and related to Crazy Horse. Your first step is the same as everyone else’s – you have to do a search of your family history. Good luck.
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I was told by my aunt that I’m part cherokee I have been trying to find out more about my family. They are from West Verginia last name bumbgardner first Blanche. Or Riggs if you know anything to help I would appreciate it. Thank you. Pam tice
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Please read my answers to others on this page. Good luck.
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My grandfather was Cherokee and my father had a lot of trouble in school because of it I am very proud to be of the Cherokee decent I would really like to know more if anyone can help me, thank you for your time.oceo.
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Please see my answers to the preceding questions. Good luck.
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Hi my origins are French Canadian as well as others . My great grandmother was born in a tee-pee : wigwam . My grandfather Robert lizotte was the first one in my family to be born in a hospital in the USA he’s about 76 it’s old and he was born in Nortedam hospital in central falls, RI . I’m very interested in my native heritage and very proud of it. Yet I’m having trouble finding real answers to what tribe I belong to. Also I would like to know more so I can pass on the knowledge to my 12 year old son. please contact me if you can help me discover more about my ancestors ….I’m proud of my heritage and would like to knowledge . I m a college student in the leadership society, honors society , and phi beta kappa ….currently enrolled at Grand Canyon university. Thank you for Any info you may have . It’s greatly appreciated . Thank you, kelly lizotte 401 569 0304
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I am part alagonquin, which I beleive is french. My father told me. He is 77. I feel strongly that i need to find my heritage too.
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First of all – there is a difference between a tipi and a wigwam. They are not the same thing. Plus, you are asking this question on a Cherokee page. All I can tell you is to see the answers I have given to many others as to finding out about their Heritage.
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I am a 35 year old man from Boston, MA. Lately, I have been going through life alone and it is beginning to weigh heavy on a man’s soul.
Growing up I was told by my mother that I have Cherokee blood and it is something that has stuck with me ever since. Well, now at this age, I am very eager to learn more about my heritage and try to locate living relatives still involved in the Nation but I don’t know where to begin. I was one told that my Godfather would know but he passed away in July 2012 from cancer.
Please steer me in the right direction so I can take my heritage to the next level and become more involved.
Thank you very much for any assistance you can provide.
Wado
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My daughter died of cancer too. I have another daughter who has had cancer. I woory about her. I also have another daughter that I worry about too. I am part cheroke and alagonquin. Sorry about your loss. Keep your head high. And everything will be fine.
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Please see my answers to the many previous questions on this subject. Good luck.
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Im part Cherokee Indian and I dont know where to find out anything Ive always wanted to meet some Indians but I dont think there are any around here I live in southwest Pennsylvania. I just want to know anything and everything about that heritage.
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Iam part cherokee. Come norh I live in New york.
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I would but I just started school and I have classes every monday through friday right now
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Please see my answers to the many previous questions on this subject. There are websites for both the Eastern and Western Cherokee with links to where you can buy books to learn about your heritage. Good luck.
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i am trying to find all that i can on my heritage. I know that i am of cherokee desent. I want to be able to teach my children so they can be proud of their heritage. All i kno is my family is from tennessee and my family tree end with my grandma because no one knows anything except she was raised by white man. I would love to kno the order of colors and learn prayers to teach my children
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Please read my replies to other queries on this page. They will give you an idea of where and how to start your search. Good luck.
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At the age of 56 i am haveing a hard time trying to live the cherokee life i am half plesae help me find my path.
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Please see my answers to previous questions. Good luck.
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my dad was full blooed cherokee my mom hafe and her dad was full what does that make me and where can i go to learn the ways of our pepole
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Before you start trying to calculate your blood quantum, you need to find your family line and be sure. Please see my answers to preceding questions to learn how to do that. Good luck.
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I know most Cherokees today practice Christianity. I wondered though, if anyone still practices the old religions, and what those consist of?
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Most Natives are practicing Christians but have not forsaken their Native religion. If you will see the answers I’ve given to preceding questions, you’ll be able to find out about the Native American Church as well as where you can get information on Cherokee ways. Good luck.
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My mother always told us that she was 1/2 Cherokee, and that her mother was too. Her Grandfather was cherokee, and had a tommy hawk that he always carried around. She also said that her ancesters where seperated during the Trail Of Tears how do I find this out and if any or all is true
Terry Abbott Bedford ,KY
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Please see my answers to preceding questions on this subject. If your grandmother was 1/2 Cherokee that would make your mother only 1/4. But before you try to figure out blood quantum, please read the answers above. They will help you in your search. Good luck.
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my grandfather was 1/8th Cherokee and I was wondering if you could help us find where it started from…
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Please my answers to preceding questions. You will have to do the work or hire a genealogist. Most genealogy societies have members that will help you.
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Hello! I can “trace ” my dads family to Dawes rolls. How does one verify this? How does one reconnect? He died when i was small, losing contact of his side of the family when he passed. Thank you for your response. Peace and love to all you may know.
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If you can find your family on the Dawes Roll, the best thing to do is call the Eastern or Western Tribal Enrollment office. They can send you an application packet that will tell you exactly how and what to do. Good luck.
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My mother said my father was black dutch.I was at the museum in Cherokee N.C. and saw that some of the Indians said they were black dutch so they would not have to be on The Trail Of tears is this true? thank you
JoAnn Thomas
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I know the “Black Dutch” response was used in mixed blood families of many different Nations. As to whether it was a way for someone to “pass” so they would not have to go on “The Trail Where They Cried” is something I’m not sure of. If it was in the Museum in N.C. I would say it is true. But you would have to study your family heritage and trace everyone down in order to verify if your father was Black Dutch or just using that to cover being Native of whatever Nation he might be. Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to get you started on your search. Good luck.
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I may not be a full blood but I am 100% at heart, Thank you for this wondferful webpage, Idle no more!!!
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I’m right there with ya, Doug! :0)
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Most of the Cherokee have always believed that just 1 drop of Cherokee blood makes you Cherokee. I have met some younger Cherokee who do not feel that way. But I believe that comes from the sense that some mixed bloods simply want whatever free benefits they may be eligible to get if they prove their Cherokee bloodline. They know nothing of Cherokee Culture or history and have no interest in learning. I grew up with my Cherokee/Scots maternal line and my father’s Choctaw/English heritage and was involved in the powwows and community of whatever Native Nation I lived closest to. If I didn’t live close to any, I still practiced my beliefs, taught my children and grandchildren, did my beadwork and leatherwork. Once, while helping with a Choctaw Intertribal Powwow in Ok., some of the Comanche Chief, Quanah Parker’s descendants were our co-sponsors – a couple of the girls were lighter than me and had blonde hair. So we come in all shapes, sizes and colors. As long as you care about your heritage, are respectful of the Elders, participate in community events and are sincere, people will know what is in your heart.
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My great grandmother was Cherokee. Her name was Mary Justice. She lived in Boone County, West Virginia. How do I trace her family. Not sure where to start. Your help is appreciated. Thank you.
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to help you with your search. Good luck.
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I’m part Cherokee on my side may he rest in peace. Where online can I find a book of Cherokee language and how it translates to english?
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Look to the website for the Eastern or Western Cherokee for links to books and audio of the Cherokee language. There are some difference between the 2. Good luck.
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My Father’s family is from NE Georgia, I know we are of Cherokee descent, on both sides of Dad’s family. How can I prove this to become offically a member of the tribe. I have been to Cherokee, NC once and loved it. I would very much like to return there some day it is quite beautiful. The mountains are in my blood. I have great respect for all our Native peoples but I would love to know more about the Cherokee tribe.
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to get started on your search. Good luck.
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Is there anything you can tell me about what is called “shadow people” or “spirit walkers”. I have actually seen one here in NM. I would like to know if they are good or evil. And anything else I can learn about them!! Thank you!!
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If you go to the websites of the Eastern or Western Cherokee, there may be something there. Are you Cherokee? Most of the Spirit Walkers are referred to by the Lakota Sioux so you may need to go the their site. Amazon carries all types of books on Native life. Good Luck.
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Sherry, going back over this site and my answers to some queries, I can tell I was in a hurry and wasn’t processing everything. There are many tribes that have different names for what you are referring to. None of the people or stories that I have heard about were good. They are not like zombies. Hopi and Navajo believe in them as do a lot of other Nations. You might use the terms: Shadow People, Spirit Walker, Ghost Walker or Skin Walker on different Native sites – Navajo, Hopi, Sioux, Cherokee and others to see what comes up. Good luck.
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im 1/8 cherokee and trying to fing a roll number so i can get the benifits can you please help me
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If you will scroll to all the other questions on this page, you will find answers. You might find a local genealogy group with a member willing to help you. Or you can hire a genealogist. First you must trace your Cherokee family back from you. Then you have to go to the Dawes Roll and find an ancestor on it. If you will contact the Eastern or Western Cherokee offices, they can send you an application packet that explains most what you need to do. Good Luck.
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What is the difference between a Birth Name and a Given Name.
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Your birth name and given name are the same. If you are referring to your Native name, that is usually given by a family elder or medicine person and it is not to be shared around like a nickname is.
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I would like to know more about my Grandma and her background. I have a photograph.
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You are lucky to have a picture. Treasure it. You should have it and other family photos scanned and put on a disc. Give discs to other family members and put one in a safety deposit box in case of fire or accidents. Don’t think “it won’t happen to me.” In 2005, wildfires swept through the area I lived in Okla. Police came and made us evacuate. I was not allowed to go back in to my house to get all of my family history photos and books, nor was I allowed to go next door to my late mothers house to get hers. We had pictures given to us from my great-grandmother that went back 4 generations from her. I had shared those pictures with distant family members. 15 years later I still have not received copies I asked for from those family members after the fire. As to your statement about your grandmother – please read the inquiries on this page. You will have to trace your family, then prove they were Cherokee and that you are a descendant. Good luck.
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how do we prove blood line we all where told cherokee i have been asked what tribe not sure
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Please see all my answers to the previous queries on this page. Good luck.
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I never got to meet my grandma on my fathers side. I have her name Rose. I want to know what she looked like?
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If you believe she was Cherokee, then do the work of tracing your family genealogy. Most city libraries can tell you of genealogy groups and there is usually a few members that will help you get started. Amazon also carries some great genealogy books. Once you have traced your family history and found a family member that you believe is Native, then you have to start going through the Dawes Roll to see if they are in it. But you need to know whether they were Cherokee or some other Nation. There is more information on this page in queries I’ve already answered. Good luck.
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my Question doesn’t concern about blood or anything i need a Shamans about a slight matter, if i could get help i’d appreciate. and i can’t share my problem in public.
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I’m sorry but we don’t have a directory of Medicine people. You can check in your area for any Intertribal groups or the Nation that resides in your area. You would have to speak to someone your own age and then you might get introduced to an elder. If the elder thinks you are sincere, he might introduce you to a Medicine person. Never offer money, usually tobacco – packs of cigarettes or loose, yard goods, beads or a nice blanket are payment required if they agree to consult with you. Good luck.
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My name is Joshua Ashburn my grandfathers side is full blooded Cherokee & I was wanted to trace back some records so i can know more about my ancestors he lives off the land and he just inspires me more & more each day. I love listening to Native American music it fells like i can connect with the song & it calms me & lets me relax & when i listen to the music i feel like another person but i would like more information on the Ashburn family & the Cherokee background that is in my family. Thank You
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Please read all my answers to the other queries on this page. Good Luck.
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No claim of Cherokee heritage, I would like to open a discussion with someone who is willing to share their knowledge of the traditional ways; of the land, animals, spirits and plants. Either via email or letter exchange. I am a family man in Iowa 47 years old, seeking knowledge and understanding.
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There are 2 books I can point you to. The first is a book containing much info on the Cherokees done by James Mooney. It has all the myths and medicines as well as more. The name evades me now, my copy was borrowed and never returned and I haven’t bought a new one yet. Sorry, but I’m old and raising a grandson so my mind is not always sharp. The second book is by Theda Perdue and is called “Cherokee Women.” It is also very informative. Good luck.
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i,m not even sure i’m on the rt. site but i must try..my fathers name was james earl anderson,before he died he told me he was married before my mom, she was american indian(he said very pretty with long black hair parted in the middle)her name was christine and she had several brothers.he had married her and she was pregnant..brothers didn’t like and run him off..i’m 56 ..so “baby” could be 60’s..i am his 1st born as far as any one knows…he named me christine…if u know anything plz contact me…
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Please see the statement I posted the day after you posted this query. Good luck.
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To everyone who has posted: Blood Quantum is for Bureau of Indian Affairs to get your BIA card showing you are a registered Indian. CID cards are Certificate of Indian Degree cards. Different Nations use different cards and different blood quantums but it is all done at the behest of the Government. The old time Cherokee people will tell you that one drop of Cherokee blood makes you Cherokee even though that doesn’t satisfy the Government. You can go online to Ancestry.com, go to your local library to contact the local genealogical society, look online for the office of each particular Nation and speak to someone by phone, email or letter to find out how to trace your family. You need as much information as possible – dates of birth, marriage and deaths, full names, places the family lived. There are other Rolls besides the Dawes Roll to check. Sometimes people at different Nations Headquarters will help you and some have records for other Nations too, but don’t expect to find someone that will do it all for you. There are also many reputable genealogists that specialize in Native genealogy. Be prepared for a lot of time consuming work and expense if you can’t afford to be pay a genealogist. Make sure you document everything you find. If you find an ancestor on a Roll with a Roll Number be prepared to prove your relationship to this person. That means you have to show by birth, marriage and death certificates and maybe more that you are related. Some people get lucky and find information right away, some people spend years looking and never do because of some small piece of wrong information a family member gave them – because that’s what they were told growing up. And some people will never find the proof the Gov’t requires. There were many Natives that did not go in and never registered. They did not want to loose their land, homes or their children as it was once policy to take children to send to boarding schools in order to teach trades and English.
Whether you are a Mixed Blood or Full Blood, you don’t have to have a Roll Number to be Native. I, myself, am a product of Cherokee, Choctaw, Scots, Irish, German and Anglo blood. Because I was lucky enough to have my Cherokee/Scots maternal great grandmother till I was in my 20’s I soaked up everything about our people that I could, but still don’t know as much as I wish. I never questioned us not being registered until I was older and living in Oklahoma. There, many of my registered Native friends knew much less about their Cherokee and Choctaw Heritage than I did. They had no real interest in their heritage – they just took the benefits they got from having that card. Over the years the Gov’t and different Nations have tightened the rules on Tribal Registration because there were a lot of people registered, getting benefits and Indian Housing just on someone’s word. At one point in time there were a lot of people that lost homes and benefits when it was found out that they couldn’t prove their lineage back to a registered ancestor.
I grew up hearing my maternal grandmother talk bad about the Choctaws (my dads family) that were prevalent in the small town that both my parents families lived in and that her mother, my Cherokee/Scots great grandmother lived in. My grandmother grew up in the period of time where everyone looked down on Natives and all us grand kids grew up knowing that you did not mention the word “Indian” in my grandmothers house. But two blocks over at her mothers house (my great grandmother) we were told the old stories and about our ancestors. So some people will never find that piece of info that will allow you a Roll Number. I have only the letters, books, and remembrances of the people that came before me to tell me who I am. I have lots of genealogical information as to my ancestors settling on old Cherokee Reservation land without a problem with the Cherokee while the neighbors were in constant turmoil with them. My ancestor married a Cherokee woman so there were no problems.
If you truly feel you want to learn more about Cherokee Culture there are many places to go – your local library, the headquarters of the Western (Oklahoma) and Eastern (North Carolina) Cherokee Nations have book shops and gift shops as well as museums that can be visited. There are many sites online that you can look up to learn Native craft work as well as books and videos. It’s better to learn from an Elder but there are some excellent books and videos you can learn from. Please beware of anything that you buy at truck stops and other places. Most of that stuff is not Native made. It is shipped in from Mexico, China, Korea or wherever and it is cheap knockoffs The same applies to books you purchase to learn about Cherokee Culture as well as some people or Elders you may meet. A true Elder will not charge you money to teach you something. There may be a discussion of the worth of whatever it is but most of the time it is left up to the person asking for instruction to show how appreciative they are. Please be sure if you are going to approach an Elder to show proper respect by taking tobacco and other various groceries or whatever else you imagine the Elder might be in need of. As to the show of appreciation after the Elder has taught you, once again tobacco – this can be cartons of cigarettes, loose tobacco, rolls of tobacco or specialty tobacco, strings of beads, good cloth for ribbon shirts is always appreciated as well as blankets. You have asked the Elder to pass on knowledge so you should show how honored you are. There are some reputable books and tapes on Cherokee language but unless you are going to be living and working in a Cherokee environment it’s not needed. The Eastern and Western languages have much in common with each other but are also different and both can be a difficult language to learn.
Also please beware the groups that have sprung up in every state that seek recognition as smaller patches of Cherokee, Texas Cherokee, Cherokees in Mexico and many other states. Some of them are not very reputable and are more like hobbyist or groups of people claiming to be this or that tribe. So ask a lot of questions and call the National Headquarters of the Nation the group says they are part of – Headquarters are usually aware of the different groups that in their state or another.
My children grew up going to powwows, eating Indian tacos and fry bread. Sadly, my grandchildren haven’t done that because they are so busy with school and sports year round. Even my Mixed Blood Choctaw daughter-in-law who has a Roll Number knows little about her Heritage. I have repeated stories to my grandchildren that I heard as a child and still make reference to their heritage whenever possible. I know that some day they will ask the questions my sons asked and hopefully I’ll be around to answer those questions. Better yet, I want to be around to pay their way in to the “circle” at a powwow. That would make me happy. I would love to have a Roll Number to insure my grand children can go to college or get help otherwise but I taught my children about their heritage and am still teaching them along with my grandchildren. I don’t need a Roll Number to tell me that I am Cherokee.
I hope that in some way I have helped a few of you with questions about how to trace their family history or other questions. The role of our Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers in every Nation has always been to teach, advise and help. I take that very seriously and always have whether doing Living History, Re-enactments of Natives Involved in the Civil War, Native American presentations or crafts at schools in Okla.or at local libraries. Wado
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Yes, but that bull with having an ancestor on the Dawes (or not, as the case may be) says I am “not” Cherokee – and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma seems to agree…
Doesn’t matter that we are well-documented with my ancestors on all the rolls (prior to the Dawes). Doesn’t matter that one of my G-uncles was a Supreme Court Justice, editor for the Cherokee Advocate, Superintendent of Education, among other notable titles – in the CHEROKEE NATION. Nor does it matter that my ancestors were warriors as well and fought for the tribe (you know, back in the day). Nope, none of that matters to Cherokee Nation. All that matter to them is a white man’s roll that was SO corrupt and disorganized that many natives did not get their name on it. Yep, being on a white man’s “Final Roll” is what makes one a Cherokee today.
So the rest of us are left to our own – no matter that our ancestors are calling us back to our Cherokee roots. It IS the seventh generation now, you know.
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Anger and bitterness will not change things. You do not need a card to tell you that you are Cherokee. No one can stop you from learning about your heritage, going to powwows, meeting other Cherokees – some with a card and some not. Even the color of your skin won’t stop you from participating and helping. After being on the Native American Students Council for a couple of years at my college in Okla., I was elected President of that council. We put on powwows, participated in many events with elders that did not care if we had a card or not. That card is mainly for benefits. While I would gladly take them, I have grown up without them and not missed them. I would urge you to get some help in going back through your family. It would be strange to have no one registered with all the participation you say your family had. It may be time consuming but worth it to gather all the proof you have of your family and ask for help from someone in the Cherokee Roll office. But remember, you must be able to provide proof of your family ties to any person in your family that has a roll number – that means any and all records of them and each generation to yourself – birth, marriage and death records and their involvement with the Cherokee Nation. Their are genealogists that specialize in Cherokee families so you may need to contact one of them. Good luck.
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Hi! I had some questions to ask you since you are so interesting to follow on this site. I know that I have to go to the Dawes book to find out the line of “Lawson” which is my grandmother who was full blooded Cherokee and we too also heard about being black dutch probably to escape the Trail of Tears maybe ? I was in an a very bad accident when I was 16 and am now 46 and that is when I opened up to actually knowing or feeling that I was Cherokee Indian. Lots of experiences and knowings, dreams, and things others couldn’t understand but they and yourself knew you weren’t “crazy.” I would love to find my long long relatives and speak to them on the Lawson side which married into the Van Horn side Lawon/Van Horn. I have two daughters. My 25 year old daughter is Cherokee from both sides and also Blackfeet from her father side and my 10 year old is Lakota Sioux from her full blooded father and Cherokee from my side. Funny thing is their fathers is left handed, Sioux, named Bill, and didnt last! omg! Any information on the Lawson side for me would be a blessing.( as me and my aunt who passed in 2007 and my father in 2008 wanted to know more information also) Thank you!
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You can find my aunt, Shirley Lawson McLaughlin on FB and friend her. I have never heard her speak of NA heritage, but then, I never realized Lawson was on the roll.
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Please read the previous answers to queries on this page. Please see all of other queries on this page about tracing your linage and family history. Good luck.
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My father died after i was born, although I didnt know him I have found out that he was Cherokee, I have doen some research and found his grandmother in the Dawes Scrolls, I didnt even know I had a different father until I was 18 when my grandmother told me, all my life I have been told I looked Native american but couldnt understand why, His last name was Blasingame from Rome GA, first name Frank,,just wondering how i wouuld go about searching for him further to claim my heritage, I know he has 6 other sons older than me but i have no clue where to start..any hints on how I can claim my heritage without him, and where do I begin, I have friends that are from the Taylor caln from Cherokee NC that have tried to help,,
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If you will read the message I left for everyone tonight, Jan. 1st, 2017, and answers to many other peoples queries, you’ll find a starting place. Wado.
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My mother was cherokee born in tn. in the mountain rez is their anyway I can find records of that and my children and I would like to learn more about our heritage. thank you
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Please read my replies to the many other queries on this page. Wado.
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I am British living in England but completely in love with the Native American Culture and all that it is related to it…. For many years I’ve been trying to know if there is a way that a non-Native can ever become member or honorary member of a Nation… I for one love the Cherokee! In my latest album I included a music based on a Cherokee song and used the original recording of the drums in the track, for many is the best track in the whole album, so much is my love and admiration for the People who I will always consider the True Americans. Thank you for your time. Blessings Brothers.
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The only way that you can become a member of a Native Nation that you weren’t born in to is if an Elder adopted you. That would be like being an “honorary member.” That would take a lot of time and effort on your part. It’s not as simple as just asking someone to do it. I’m not really sure how you would go about proving yourself to someone for something like that. I’ll have to think about this some more. But you might do some checking around your area. I know there are a lot of people in Europe interested in Native ways and there are many hobby groups. Wado.
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I am doing research for a book and would love to know about whether there is a ceremony for coming of age and/or a ceremony with reference to naming? Can a tribe member have several names? Who does the naming? I can be reached at annmccambridge@hotmail.com. Thank you Ann
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My great granfather john luallen had a daughter one nettie luallen who married clarence ricketts and passed away in tulsa ok in 1989, I cannot find her roll number or anything about her and ricketts. Please help me in my family geaneology tre
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Hello brothers and sisters . From my mother I hear that my great grand mother was native and I always wanted to know how how can I find out the truth of what is in my blood . if one of yo canhelp me with info that would be utterly nice
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I am British living in England but completely in love with the Native American Culture and all that it is related to it…. For many years I’ve been trying to know if there is a way that a non-Native can ever become member or honorary member of a Nation… I for one love the Cherokee! In my latest album I included a music based on a Cherokee song and used the original recording of the drums in the track, for many is the best track in the whole album, so much is my love and admiration for the People who I will always consider the True Americans. Thank you for your time. Blessings Brothers.
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my mom was suppost to be half ,Cherokee but the main thang is th way she brong me up n th thangs she use to tell me n how she felt abt our people i had always drifted in this world tell th day i herd th drum n a pow wow not to min chine th way my mom taought me how to read between th lines in th movies with native american in them that even made my heart beat harder like my ancestry was callin me have always wanted to know more n go home so to speak it seems like it calls to me real dedication to somethen bigger what i was meant for how do i find my way
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My daughter is half Cherokee and I would like her to know the culture. I would also like to know how I can find out if there are health concerns from her Cherokee side. The thing is I only knew the biological fathers 1st name. I think its very important that multicultural children know their parts so they understand themselves.
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I have Cherokee in me and I would like to know more about the stone the herbs in the roots that they used . Weather special signs and symbols they used. I would deeply appreciate your help thank you
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Please see my answers to the preceding questions to find links for books, etc. Good luck.
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Want to know more about the race the used. stones. if there was a symbol that they used to identify their souls
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You will need to give me more information. I don’t know what you are asking about.
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I know there is native Americans my dads side of the familyan on my mothers side I have more of my mothers family then I do my dads I have some of the beginning parts of my dads an need help on finding out where the blood line starts an how far back cause my son is try to find out
how much him an his one yr old would because the mother is also native American thank you for any help you can give you you can contact me at my email again thank you Theresa Simons
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to help you get started on your family heritage. Good luck.
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I am supposedly about half Cherokee. I am interested in finding any concrete proof of my heritage so I will do what someone on here suggested. My Father always told me that the word “christian” meant “deep water” in Cherokee. I was wondering if anyone can clarify this for me. My father ( a big practical joker,would never play a joke on me with this topic because his heritage was so important to him. Any help would be appreciated.
sincerely,
Johnnie C.
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to get you started on finding your family heritage. As to “Christian” meaning “deep water” in Cherokee, I’ll have to do some research on that. I’ve never heard of that but I am not at all fluent in Cherokee since my parents never spoke it to us, only English. It could be referring to being baptized in deep water as most baptisms many years ago were done in ponds, lakes and rivers. I’ll get back to you on this. Good luck.
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I am cherokee and i would like to know if there is any way of finding out what clan i belong to and if i can get a cherokee name and how as my ancestors have all passed
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Unless you have a large percentage of Cherokee family members it is unlikely you can find out about your clan. Most of that was lost over the years. If you will read my answers to the many preceding questions, you will learn how to get started on your search. As to a Cherokee name, that can be bestowed on you by a family member or someone in the Nation. But first you need to find your family history and find out if your family was Eastern or Western Cherokee. Good luck.
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Tired find my roll number for my family can you help in any way Thanks
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions. Good luck.
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I’m told my fathers family are Cherokee, that were sent to the UP of Michigan. I know there last name is Watters. I know little else about them, and have never met any of them. Though not raised in traditions , I feel the spirit within me.
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I don’t know much about my biological father. I know his name is(was?), Watters, and supposedly was from the Cherokee’s that were sent to the UP of Michigan,instead of Oklahoma. He met my mother around Harrison (Clare co.) Michigan. I’d like to find out more if possible.
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions. Good luck.
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My mom told me my great grandmother was full blood cherokee indian and my grandpa was half cherokee indian and my mom was half Cherokee indian I want to know how much of cherokee indian I am
My grandpas last name was Howe .
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions. Good luck.
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hi my name is codey born febuary 24th from frederick maryland I’m a 20 year old male part cherokee(i don’t know how much) i would just like to ask if this was anything spiritual related. ok so me and my girlfriend and our 2 friends dani and ben went camping on the forth of july. we were in a field behind my house. now dani has some black foot in her and is pretty in touch with her native side. she knows her power animal witch is the white owl. and my power animal is deer. any way, while we were camping sitting around the fire it was around 1 in the mooring and i pulled out my chest nut flute played it for a bit and then me and dani got a smudge going. i sang the cherokee welcome song to my self and water song. after the smudge i had an old journal fill with entries. now i wrote this stuff down in 2010 during a dark time in my life.it was filled with negative thoughts and so on. so i decided to fold them up and burn them in the fire for a cleansing.it was my first time doing this. now before the smudge i was drinking a beer and had one after the cleansing i also took a few hits of pot.(i smoked the same stuff earlier that week that i smoked that night i also know how these react with me together and by them selfs. what happened was not at all like any of them as if was completely drunk and or stoned and what not.) so after that about 15-20 minutes later i head in to the tent with my girlfriend. so i go in to the tent with my girlfriend and about 30-40 minutes go by and i roll over to go to sleep. now my eyes were closed and i start mumbling to my self every thing will be ok in the morning over and over. i was lying on my back and my girlfriend was concerned. so she went to lift me upright. and i was dead wight. she couldn’t hold me up so i fell back down. she was concerned and tried to wake me up. by saying my name hitting me and so on. she called her friend dani in to see what was wrong with me. my heart rate was apparently extremely high.they checked my eyes and stuff and i didn’t respond. so they did CPR i eventually came to. but while i was laying on my back mumbling to my self i felt my self sink in and drift off into this warm feeling. i remember every thing they did to me,every thing they said. when my girlfriend went to lift me up i felt the pressure of her hands on me but thats it. it felt like i was just drifting off sinking in to this warmth. i couldn’t move,speak or do any thing. at the same time i felt no need to do any thing. i fully accepted what was happening to me. i wasn’t worried about what was happening to me on the out side. but through out the whole thing my heart was beating. i was just breathing verry faintly. when i came to i took a big gasp of air. as soon as i woke. but at the same time i felt reborn. i know it wasn’t astro projection because i didn’t see my self from the out side. i just sank deeper and deeper in to this warmth feeling. i ruled out Sleep paralysis and other things relating to it because i was hearing every thing that was going on. i just don’t know what happened to me. i looked up what happens to people when they go on a vision quest and some things that happened to me happened to them. i just don’t know. so if any one could help that would be great thank you.
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I honestly can’t tell you if this was spiritual happening, only you can say that. But if I was you, I would get checked out by a Dr., just to be safe. I would also not mix beer and pot. Some of what you describe sounds like an anxiety attack. Depending on the type of pot or what it may be laced with, it could cause you many problems. And if you were older, you would know that it was, at one time, called “Loco Weed.” When much younger, my brother could not drink and use pot because it made him extremely paranoid. It is a natural medicine not meant to be mixed with other things. Good luck.
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Hello,
I don’t know much about my grandpa who was the cherokee in our family and my mom has little recollection of him. My question is this are there any native speaking Cherokee in or around the Sioux falls, SD area as I want to learn the basics and language of my culture to pass down to my daughter and keep it alive in my area, that would be willing to teach me?
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I would say it was highly unlikely there would be Cherokee around Sioux Falls, S.D., but you never know – we are everywhere. If you will read my answers to the many preceding questions it will help you on your search. Good luck.
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How can I find out about my Cherokee heritage? My grandfather’s mother was a Cherokee, but I don’t know how or where to get more information.
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If you will go back up on this page, I have explained to others what you would need to do to start tracing your family. Good Luck.
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Okay so my great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee and my great grandfather was half, what percentage does that make me?
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Please see my answers to the many preceding questions to get you started on your search. You can’t try to work out blood quantum until you have searched for your family and done the genealogy work as well as trying to find them on the Rolls. You also need to know if they were Eastern or Western Cherokee. Good luck.
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Brothers and sisters i have always felt connection to nature and i swear i can here the trees whisper and feel there pain i cant explain it same with my connections with animals particularly birds and dogs so i was wondering if any where if there is any mention of us being shape shifters and also would like to know the histories and other legends please give me council
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Howard, there are many books that can give you the information you seek. If you go online to the Eastern or Western Cherokee museums or gift shops, there will be listings of all the books. You can go on Amazon.com to for books but you must be careful as which books you pick to read. There are many written by people who aren’t Cherokee or have no real knowledge. I would advise you to start out with Myths of the Cherokee by Mr. Mooney.
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I am full blooded Cherokee Indian and I was told there is some type of grant to pay for your college. I’ve had the blood work done and got my card issued, I was just trying to find out more info on this grant.
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I’m sorry but I’m not clear on what you meant about having blood work done and having a card issued. To be enrolled in the Eastern or Western Cherokee Nations, you must be able to trace your lineage back to an original enrollee – someone listed on the Indian Rolls with an enrollment number. That takes a lot of paperwork and includes birth, death and marriage licenses for all the people as well as other information. Once you become an enrolled member, there are many avenues of help that you can pursue. There are, indeed, grants and scholarships to help Natives with college. You would need to go to the Tribal Headquarters of the Nation you are enrolled with or call them to find out what help is possible. If, by blood work, you mean DNA testing, then you are out of luck. DNA testing will tell you if there is Native blood but it hasn’t been perfected to distinguish between the different Native nations – of which there are way over 500.
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Reblogged this on Civil rights watchdogs, Name and Shame Them and commented:
A Great Blog glad it found me a proud Cherokee NDN
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I am curious as to know if my calling is for a Shaman. Everything I have been through, and am told, and researched directs me in this direction. I am Cherokee on my dads side. Not sure if that makes any difference or not. Needing/Seeking Clarity. Thank you.
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The only way for you to get an answer is by seeking out Elders in the Cherokee Nation of Okla. or N. Carolina. They would be able to direct you to a Medicine Person, which can be man or woman. Cherokee Medicine People do not advertise nor do they seek to draw attention to themselves. Do you speak Cherokee of the Eastern or Western Dialect? Do you study the plants, trees and animals? If you met and convinced a Medicine Person to teach you, then it would be a lot of work on your part as an apprentice. And you must pay your way, not with money but with other ways and things. It takes 15 – 20 years to go from being an apprentice to a Medicine Person and there are many, many things you would need to learn. There are many people who call themselves Medicine People or Shaman that know nothing about our culture or religion. There are no online classes or quick fixes. Good luck on your search.
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Thank you for your timely reply. I had figured as much with all the info you just gave you. Yes, I study the plants, animals, and trees, I know it is not a quick route and I also whole heartedly agree there are many who Call themselves MP and Shamans and have no clue what they are truthfully talking about. I also know there are no online courses -it is not an easy path, and I have put the antenna signal out for an Elder. I am awaiting a few replies. I was in truth, kind of hoping you had some direction for me with that (Finding an Elder). Thank you again..
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Raven, I’m sorry, but finding an Elder or Medicine Person is your journey. It should be someone that you are introduced to by a friend or family member or someone you find yourself. And it will be their choice as to whether they think you are worthy of their time and work to train you. I don’t have a directory to look through to find such a person. They do not advertise. You have to find someone in your area or who is within driving distance to you. If it is meant to be, then everything will fall in to place. You can study by finding books from the Cherokee Nation bookstore. That is a start. But what is in your heart will also be important to any Healer that you may meet. Please be careful of the many charlatans that are out there who would charge you money to teach you or give you a Native name. They are not the right people. Good luck.
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Ok my grandmother was 100% Cherokee and so My father was 50% and on my my mothers side my mother is 25% Cherokee I was wondering how much of Cherokee blood is in my as in what percent Cherokee would that make me?
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So, if your grandmother was full blood, your father would be 1/2 and you would be 1/4. Have you traced your family to find out where the Cherokee blood came from so your are absolutely sure of how much Cherokee blood there is, have you learned of their journeys? Those things are very important.
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I found out about 3.5 -5 yrs ago that my great grand-mother was full blooded Cherokee… That makes me 1/8th? Any kids’ I have- 1/16th?…but, I recently found out my 1st borns’ Dad is also 1/8th Cherokee, too? So, what amount of Cherokee does that make my 1st born, I’m curious?
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Actually, I was never good at math and my brain is too old to be doing fractions. Find a 4th or 5th grader and the can figure it out for you fast. I can’t even help my grandkids with the new math they are doing. Your child would have 1/16 from you and 1/16 from the father. I believe it will come out to be 1/8. But I’m not guaranteeing that’s right. Do you have proof of your great grandmothers degree of blood? Have you traced your family tree back to her and beyond to find where the Cherokee blood comes from? Does the father have proof of his degree of blood and has he traced his family back to find the bloodline? Always remember that the old time Cherokee always said if you had even 1 drop of Cherokee blood, then you were Cherokee. Many years ago, blood quantum wasn’t that important. What mattered most was your place in your family and your tribe. How well you treated others and tried to help those less fortunate than you. To many people still today, blood quantum is not that big an issue. To others it is.
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hi, if at all possible I would like to see if there is any cousel or some kind of a mediator I could talk to regarding my situation. I am pregnant and sent out of state due to a tragedy.i am Cherokee and half white, my boyfriend is Lakota. I just have this feeling that the involved parties would feel more comfortable if approached by an elder or someone of their race. I have a fear that with me being half , that I am not accepted and my baby deserves to have full acceptance and love and peace between parents,also to be in a safe family. its my biggest dream. I was adopted, so was he, but he grew up with large indian families and from what he told me they have certain ways of dealing with family law, etc. and i do not have my people to turn to for advise..please advise.thankyou
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You can try contacting the Eastern or Western Cherokee offices and see if someone there can advise you. Normally, they help enrolled tribal members but they may be able to give you some information or contact numbers. Your other option would be to find a Native attorney and go in for a consultation. I’m not clear on what the problem is or exactly what you are facing so that is all I can tell you.
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I have a really important question, if you could email me at d.tyler2311@gmail.com I would greatly appreciate it.
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I’m sorry but the purpose of this site is to help the people who ask for information. Please list your question here so I can see if I can help you.
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i need an Elder to help me look in to why im having these thing i am seeing in my visons it’s reelly driving me crazy i may not be full blood i do have it running in me
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Visions and dreams are not something that can be taken care of on any web site. You would need to seek out an Elder or Medicine person to speak to them face to face. But first you should trace your family and find where your Native blood comes from. You can’t just walk up to an elder or Medicine person and start telling them about these things. You need to be able to tell them about your family background and your Native blood. You would need to meet someone who could steer you to the right person to make an introduction. You can read my answers to the above questions to see how to get started on finding out about your family background. Good luck.
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ps sorry for the bad spelling
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My family has made it known to me that we have Cherokee in our blood line. I have been feeling a urge to learn more. And if possible take the journey to find my spirit name. How do I go about it?
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First you should trace your family history through genealogy and then check to see if you can find a connection on the Indian Rolls. As far as just finding out more about Cherokee ways, you can go online to visit the Eastern and Western Cherokee sites for information and books. As for going a journey and finding a spirit name, do some reading and studying on Cherokee ways to find out about that.
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Hope my post helps.
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I was always told growing up that I was nearly half Cherokee. I found out a couple of years ago that I am more European than most people living in Europe. I am just writing because of something that happened to me. I was in Tahlequah many years ago trying to find out more about “my people” or so I thought at the time. I visited a recreation of a primitive Cherokee village there. When we got to the, I have forgotten the name, but the equivalent of a Cherokee church there was a Cherokee priest (for lack of a better word) there waiting to great us. As we were filling in he suddenly looked up at me like he recognized me, “Oh, a Wisdom Keeper. he said. I said what and he repeated it, then went on with his speech to everyone about about the Cherokee religion. He cut it short and said something like that was all he felt comfortable about talking about today and rushed us on. Quite a few years later I went to a psychic fair with my girlfriend. There was a woman there doing native American runes and totems. My girlfriend was getting her done and just like years before the woman looked up at me and said, “A Wisdom Keeper” I asked her what? and she said, “A Wisdom Keeper, that’s really rare.” She wouldn’t really explain what she meant and went on talking to someone else.
My long winded question is what is a “Wisdom Keeper” and why would these people call me one many years and many hundreds of miles apart? I’ve always told myself they were just screwing with me, but that seems odd that they both picked the same joke. When I look up “Wisdom Keeper” I find a shaman or something.
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You should have asked for a chance to speak to the gentleman in Tahlequah and asked for an explanation, the same for the lady at the Psychic Fair. Most people won’t speak out to you unless they feel you don’t recognize something about yourself. It’s rare that a Medicine person would turn down an opportunity like that. People at the Psychic Fairs are friendly and most times want to tell you if they recognize something like that. There are Wisdom Keepers from lots of different generations and nationalities. Since you didn’t pursue it with either of the people that made the remark, I’m not sure where to point you. You could go to another Psychic Fair and find someone to speak to or try to find someone in you area who might know a Medicine person. If they could get you some time to speak to a Medicine person then maybe they could discuss this with you. Medicine people don’t charge and you can’t offer money. You would need to have a gift of tobacco, foodstuffs and other things. Whoever you find to introduce you to a Medicine person will be able to give you a better idea of what your offering should be. It’s your responsibility and your journey. No one else can do it for you. Take care.
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Thank you very much. I will try what you have said. I tried to ask them at the time, but both acted like they didn’t really want to talk about it. The priest especially. The woman murmured something like a vessel for a shaman, whatever that means.
Wado and Donadagvhoi,
Rory
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I was
Young when my father died, and when he was alive I was hardly around him. He had made the comment that he was Cherokee. He would not talk about my grandfather and neither would my grandmother. I have looked thru the Dawes roll and been on ancestry to see if I could find out any information about my past. I was able to find his name was Bill. That’s all I could find out. All I would like to do is find out my past. To maybe find out who, or what I am. Why I do the things I do, and why I am the way I am. I would just like to know more about me, and where I came from. I have read some of the things above that you have suggested and I can’t get any more information on my family. It ends at Bill. Thank you for your time.
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The easiest way for you to get the information you are looking for is to go to your local library and ask if there is a local genealogy group. If there is, you need to find a contact in the group and attend one of their meetings. You will meet people that will be more than happy to help in your search. You will need to find your parents date of birth, county and state; marriage date, county and state; dates of death, county and state, along with their full names and nicknames they may have used. You will need the same info on your grandparents. From there you work backwards, going through county and state records as well as the census records for each county and state. You find your parents or your dad and then you will find your grandfather. You can keep working backward for as many generations as you wish. Once you have that information you can check the rolls again to see if there are any matches. I will warn you that there are many people of the Nations who never registered because they didn’t trust the gov’t. They feared their land would be taken, their children taken or both. The local genealogy groups are usually very friendly and nice, they love what they do and love teaching it to new people who are on a quest to learn about their ancestors. Good luck.
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Sherrie Hi I replied to your blog on February 17 2013, so if you scroll way up you can see where I typed you something. Sorry I was still half way asleep still drinking my coffee waiting to get my daughter up for school, Hoping to hear from you or anyone soon. Thanks!
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I am a descendant of Greek Immigrants. First generation. Recently, I went to Indian Caverns in Ohio. I purchased a Native made headdress. I have a friend’s birthday party coming up in which I had in mind to wear it to. I would be wearing my regular clothes but wanted to wear the headdress because the theme is to wear something festive on our heads. I have two questions:
1) Is this ok? 2) How are the feathers sourced? Is it humanely?
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Sorry I didn’t answer this year before last. I don’t get to come on here regularly as my health is often bad and I’m raising a grandchild. Please do not buy or wear what is called an Indian Headdress or a War Bonnet. First, it is insulting and second, it is probably not even a real headdress. Those things are usually made in Mexico, China, Korea or some other country. Chances are the feathers are dyed hideous colors and it is made all wrong. Besides, only certain tribes used them. Look it up on the internet – the meaning of “Coup feathers” and the meaning of a “War Bonnet.” It is also insulting to dress up as a Native. Wado.
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Just curious about spirit animals. My dad insisted that his was the cougar, and my own experience has been close encounters with bears. (Nothing bad happened though). My question is does the animal choose you, or do you choose the animal?
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Are you Cherokee? Look on Amazon or Cherokee Publications for books on Spirit animals. You do not choose your Spirit Animal. It chooses you. Wado.
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I’m 18 and just found out that Cherokee runs heavy in my blood line. I’m really just trying to figure out who I am and What my heritage is made up of. I’ve tried to research but i get so many different results. I don’t know much about my family other than my grandmother and every woman (some men) before her was Cherokee. Is there anyway to figure out the things I need to know about my heritage?
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Please read down through this page. I have answered countless queries such as yours with information as to how to look in to your family history and heritage. Wado.
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I was told my Grandmother was 100% Cherokee, and was disowned by her family when she married my grandfather her name was Elizabeth Chauncey 1917-1966 my grandfather was Frank True , from Salibury MA. If there is anyway to get info to my Cherokee side of the family I would appreciate it . Thank you
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To add on to what I already wrote I think my Grandmother people where from Maine or New Hampshire, I know they say my grandfather side was know for discovering Maine or New Hampshine , but I think it was Maine
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Please read down through this page and the countless queries. I have given answers as to how to look in to your family history and heritage. Wado.
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Hi, my name is Tracie. I have a question that might sound a little crazy and so everyone knows I’m considering professional help. Here it goes, I am Cherokee. I don’t know by how much, but it’s on both sides of my family. I want to ask about ‘Shadow Walkers?’ because as of late my experiences have intensified. I would classify them as hallucinations. My grandmother thinks I’m some sort of median? I think I need help. I’m scared almost all of the time, it’s getting pretty old. I see contortions of black masses and have vivid dreams that I can only recall for the first few minutes upon awakening. I see them day or night doesn’t really hold any specific timing. I have pictures of it as well. I am reaching out because I can’t seem to get it to go away. Whatever it is it plays with my feet when I am in bed or on the couch, and it doesn’t matter where I stay. My grandmother says it’s probably just curious or wants help. I know it sounds like I’m nuts. I’m not a believer of the paranormal that’s why I personally think I need to be evaluated. If this is common or something you could help me with please respond.
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I have been researching my family for information regarding what clan my family was from but anyone who could have told me has passed on and anyone who might have known is gone too. My family was not registered and thats fine I dont want to know for registration I want to know so that when I have kids I can teach them about who they are because mixed blood or not knowing who and where you come from is as important as having a name.
please what can I do I dont want to waste anyones time but please help me I dont know what else to do and giving up is never going to be an option
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Marian, I’m sorry but there is no way to find out what clan your people were from without you doing a genealogical search. Even then you might never find out. I traced my people back to the 1700’s but can’t find their clan. Once the whites started moving the Five Civilized Tribes out of their homelands, people and families got scattered, Cherokees married in to other tribes as well as marrying whites. So there are many Cherokee that do not know the clan their families came from. That should not stop you from teaching your children about the Cherokee ways. There are many books about the Eastern and Western Cherokee. If you will scroll down this page and read some of the other queries, you will find the names of some of the books as well as how to get started on genealogical research on your family. Wado.
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hello i was told my father is 100 percent indian and on my moms side we have indian as well so would that make me at least fifty percent indian or should i get tested.
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Corey, first you need to trace your family genealogy and verify the Nation your parents came from and what their percentage of blood is. That would come from the Rolls. Then your blood quantum could be figured. As for being tested, a DNA test will only tell you that there is Native American Blood in your line. It will not identify a Nation such as Cherokee, Nez Perce, Creek, etc. Please scroll up on this page and you will find a great deal of information on researching your family and other things. Thanks and good luck.
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I have this number on my birth certificate can you please tell me what tribe it’s from 112-67 713633
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Any numbers on your birth certificate would not pertain to any tribe or Native nation. Most likely it is a number that pertains to the city, county and state you were born in. Take it to the county clerks office in any courthouse and they should be able to tell you exactly what it is. Wado.
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Hello, I have a question about dream symbolism in Native American Culture. I dreamed last night that there was a cage I was being beckoned into and once inside, felt immense pressure to choose a spirit animal. I choose a Polar Bear and a small, sleeping child appeared before me, glowing with a bluish/white light. I touched my head to the child’s and felt immense peace. Fast forward. I was in a house and there were 2 Native Americans, a father and a son. The sons name was mist-hat and the fathers was mist-cap. The son was trying to hold a door closed while the father was overseeing a ritual of sorts. A bat flew in and went inside the wall, the father removed it. He told me that my daughter should spend a summer with them; I asked if I could as well. Fast forward. I was in the grass with mist-cap, the father and I was feeling intense love and admiration for him and I asked him to tell me all about his life. He pointed to the sky, which was blue and clear, save for a few white clouds and he indicated that one of the clouds was falling in my direction. I looked up and white wolf head, made of clouds was indeed falling towards me. It landed harmlessly near me and dissipated; we began to walk towards a house I knew from childhood. More wolf heads began to fall and they were getting closer to me. Mist-cap became afraid and said that this is not good. The wolf heads started falling faster and become darker in color, almost black. I asked him if he knew what it meant and he looked horrified. I point at him and asked, “You don’t know”?. One struck me in the chest and I yelled at him, accusingly, “You don’t know”! I woke up mid sentence.
I didn’t know where else to turn as I have had numerous vivid type dreams in my life but never one so steeped in a very specific symbolism.
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Please scroll down to see my post for tonight, Jan 1, 2017. Wado.
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I was wanting to learn more about the Cherokee’s religions and relations with spirit animals. I have learned that my spirit guide is a fox, and I’ve actually seen it once but I havnt again in a few years. How did the ancestors communicate and build relationships with their spirit animals?
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Please scroll down this page to see my post for tonight, Jan. 1, 2017. Wado.
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Hi not sure about this the spelling I grew up knowing we had chorkee blood my grfather looked Indian story has it his mother was full blood chorkee not sure last name was Hopper but they took her in I think I remember seeing the name de car sky how would I go about finding out I have her first name but that’s all
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Please scroll up and down this page to see my post for tonight, Jan. 1, 2017 and other times, for answers. Wado.
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I am 27. I have only had one dream when a wolf has come to me. The first was a pack when i was young, and it was a spiritual presence. The recent was a wolf that spoke. He told me that the battle of women is always important and necessary as medicine’s battles were always important and necessary. I did feel like i could trust this him though.
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Please scroll up and down this page for answers to queries and a post for tonight, Jan. 1, 2017. Wado.
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What is the symbolism of buzzards? I heard something on my roof about 30 minutes ago and I walked outside to see and there were at least 25 buzzards on my roof. I have never seen anything like it before. It kind of spooked me so I saged my house. There have been a lot of strange things going on and I wanted to know are they a good sign or a bad sign. Thank you!!
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This message is to Rene – but also to Lisa Rodriguez, Bradley Scott Baker, Charles Tritt, Vickie Pierce, Julie and many others. I am not a Medicine Person, Shaman, Holy Person, etc. I am simply an Elder who has volunteered to impart a bit of information. I can not tell you the meaning of your dreams, the meaning of symbols, animals, people, etc. in those dreams or your life. Neither can I do family background researches or genealogical work ups to determine what Nation you or your family are from or how much Native or Cherokee blood you have. You must do the work that will bring you the answers – either by doing it yourself or hiring a genealogist to trace your family background. Your dreams or the symbolism that is in your life requires a Medicine or Holy Person to help you work that out. And believe it of not, all people of all Nations, be they full blood, mixed blood and even those who possess no Native blood at all, can have dreams full of different animals, symbols, people, etc. All of those things can be brought on by ill health, stress or emotions from different circumstances in life. Plus, different Nations look at different animals, symbols and dreams in different ways. So, the only thing I can really help you with is advice while you are on the journey to discover if you do indeed have any Cherokee or Native blood, how best to go about the search and who or where you might contact for more help. This is the page for the Cherokee Nation so I can only point you toward the Eastern and Western Cherokee websites or other websites where you can purchase books, language tapes, films, etc to learn more about Cherokee history, heritage, culture, etc. If you go back and read my answers to the many different people who have come on here asking questions, you will glean much of the information I have given those others in their search. There are a few websites that I use for books – Amazon: if you just type in Cherokee, many books will be listed and Cherokee Publications has a wealth of books, also. The gift shops of the Eastern and Western Cherokee Nations have much information with books and records of the different Cherokee Rolls. But my first bit of advice is, as usual, to start with your family members or family Bibles. Once you have names, dates and locations of birth, marriages and deaths to refer to then a trip to your local library is in order. While you are there, be sure to ask about a local Genealogical group. Most Genealogy members will be more than happy to get you started on the way to researching your family history and enjoy helping beginners. Wado.
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Hello, I’m Francesca and just recently I had a blood test (DNA test) done to see what my background is in terms of ethnicity. I found out I have Cherokee blood, I felt so proud and happy. I was wondering if there is a way I can recieve a name for myself? Have a wonderful day!!
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First of all: DNA tests will tell if you have Native blood, but they do not tell you which tribe your Native blood comes from. Second of all: You can’t simply declare that you have this or that blood and ask for a name. You need to start out by studying the ways of the Cherokee, their history, their pains and their ability to rise above it all to come back a stronger Nation. You would need to show your willingness to be part of a community, to give yourself and your time to that community. Names are sacred and usually given by an elder that is looked up to in the community or sometimes by a family member who is involved in the Native community. If there don’t seem to be any native communities in your area, look for an Indian Center. Perhaps you could volunteer and find an elder to speak to. Do not offer money for a name or a ceremony to get a name. You would need yard goods, blankets and tobacco to gift an elder if they agreed to take your under their wing and teach you about Cherokee Ways and perhaps eventually be given a name. If you will read over the many previous post, I have listed some of places I buy books from that will have books you would need to educate yourself.
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I was wondering what is known about health/digestive problems solved in more traditional ways. I’ve seen so many doctors and my thyroid issues, IBSD, migraines, gerd, vitamin deficiency and sleep issues. I’m plagued by dreams when I sleep. I sleep the wrong times tones of the day and when I do sleep I want to sleep forever it seems. I know you guys are not doctors but I’m becoming desperate to be able to live without this. I’ve considered diet change but am unsure? That’s so hard to do and I’m always so tired. Is there anything known of other then modern causes that could be causing my health problems? I’m separated from the community as well because me and my aunt have only just begun to learn about our ancestry through DNA and our tree on ancestry.com and GedMatch. I’m hoping to learn more and learn if there is Cherokee answers for my health. Thank you.
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Your best bet would be to contact either the Eastern or Western Cherokee Nation gift shops to find out what books there may be on the subject you are asking about. Most mixed bloods don’t have the same problems as the full bloods, when it comes to foods or illnesses. But it could be worth researching. I too, have problems with thyroid issues and insomnia as well as a host of other problems. Some didn’t start till after I turned 50 and went through menopause. You might want to check for homeopathic or naturopathic Dr’s in your area. There also authors J. T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett – The Cherokee Full Circle books. I’m not sure how many books they have written but there may be something in those. Take care.
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Thank you so much. I will check those things out. 🙂
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i need to talk to someone about my visions i have had a list of them below
1. was lying in bed and look at the doorway to my room it turn yellow then a bust of an elder faceing to my right then a wolf paw came across from the left side and my arm came from the right side as we came close the wolf paw changed to an arm and we clasp each others arm and blood came down between our arms then we separated then the the arm of the wolf changed back to a wolf paw and disappeared then a voice came and said you are now brother of the wolf
2. was out camping with a group of friends in the mountians of va in craptree falls was down by the creek watching the water the next thing that i saw was an eagle next to me flying then i was next to a bear then a wolf this is when my soul was brought back to me i had quit drinking
3. i went on the back porch to burn some sage in my shell little did i know what was about to happen to me i had a vision so real i looked for the pipe for 15 mins before i realize what had happed to me a lady dress in white buckskins came to me and handed me a pipe which was decorated with 3 eagle featherson each end of the pipe stem and said topondtay which is lakota for keeper of the pipe or pipekeeper
4. . there were three trees each tree had an eagle in it the government came and got the trees and hulled them away the eagles stayed in the trees but there were 2 more eagles flying behind the trees
5.
the other night i had a dream i was showing two boys my medicine bag and i pulled out 3 pieces of coal and a piece of jade and i told the boys not to touch anything because it was sacred
6. i walk into the spare bedroom the wall disappears and a meadow appears with a native american in buckskin appears he nods his head and goes on the wall reappears back i was told i was a gatekeeper but also i see spirits around me
7.
an elder appeared on the wall was in full headress was smoking a long stem pipe was offer and was starting to bring the pipe to my mouth
8. I went outside with my dog i sat down on the steps and was looking up at the sky and noticed a white
outline around the oak trees like white as snow same shape as the tree limbs then they would lift up towards the sky and disappear then it would do it again this happened on 7/14/15
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I found a paper today of my deceased fathers stating the following from the eastern band of Cherrokee… I’m guessing from the baker roll? Well it states my grandfather is 1/32 Indian blood and my dad was 1/64 what does this now me and me being the youngest of 4 children does it change my percentage.. I’m guessing he was enrolled in the baker roll but I’m not sure …can I enroll in the baker roll with less than 1/64 ? Please help…
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Today I believe my name was revealed to me, Shadow Walker… I am some part of Cherokee within my heritage, but I’ve never claimed that… I’ve seen a lot of definitions on the web but feel that the bad side of what I’ve read, the manipulation and dark side is not me… Can you help?
David Shadow Walker Rowell
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I don’t know where to begin. I’m looking for guidance. Both my grandparents parents left the reservation early on to try to create a better life for their families and it did more harm than good. My family is very disconnected, struggles with addiction related problems and trauma, and wishes that we were given a say in maintaining our cultural connectedness. My grandfather’s side is Cherokee and possibly Choctaw. My grandmother’s side is possibly Blackfoot. My family needs connection to our heritage for healing. I’ve never used a forum to reach out, I prefer seeing people in person, but I really don’t know where to begin. I feel a deep connectedness to my heritage, but I have no guidance. If you have any words to offer, please share. I appreciate any feedback you can provide. Thank you.
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I”m just looking to get maybe some closure or some understanding on a dream I had this morning. i know what your thinking yea yea dreams i think may be important.. But this was no orindinary dream andwasnt normal at all.. There is this native man not very old maybe in his twenties.. and he is down to the t dressed as a native american. anyways this takes place in my dads front yard and there he is across the streetandf i am in my car watching all of the sudden he is lifted and his back forced on a door and alight shines around him and he looks as if maybe he is afraid then i hear a woman and i cnat understand her then she says walk among? theres also come drums sounds like and maybe a bird making a weeewuuu sound but its not like a pretty bird sound it was like it had a sore throat or like a woodwind flute nt being played well, ill never forget the sound. Anyways my eyes are wide open and it gets dark i look around hes gone, the drums stopped but i can still hear the bird wewu sound my windows start to fog and i look around out he window its slightly open i see a dark shadow in the shape of abody walking it came up to my window i get scared and the shadow jumps in me sinking in my eyes and im inhaling it through my mouth and i feel it going in my body…i woke up deeply inhaled like i hadnt been breathing and my entire body was tingly like wat i dreamed actually came into me.. it was so unreal how i didnt feel.
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I am of Cherokee ancestry but my ancestors are not on the Dawes rolls, Guion Miller rolls, or any other Cherokee census. I want to find some records that will really prove my Cherokee ancestry. I am a descendant of the Sizemore family who were Cherokees who escaped the trail of tears. My Cherokee ancestry comes from Kentucky and North Carolina. My 3× grandmother, Elizabeth Bolling, was Powhatan and Cherokee as she was a descendant of the Sizemores. I was wondering if you have any idea where I can find more records on the Sizemores. Also. I want to join a Cherokee tribe and learn more about my Cherokee past. I want to reconnect with my ancestors people. I appreciate your help and time. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Wa-do!
Anita
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My grandma was a full blooded Cherokee Indian btw.
About two years ago when driving home one dark and stormy night an owl looked me dead in the eye just before flying Into my windshield I got out and looked around for him but couldn’t find him I’d there any symbolic meaning of this? I’ve had flashbacks and nightmares ever since
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Definitely also getntheninstitutes, seminar ppl together with the elders of each tribe at major gatherings to discuss languages as well as a plethora of other issues there’s every reason to believe that as the indians, culture & they’re language are all intertwined, basically, I speak as a white man but that all makes sense to me, as it is you’re cultures and pplz were displaced greatly
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Im new to this im from the South east place called Georgia. Im of Cherokee decent and found out that on my fathers side i am kin to Nancy Ward would be my 6th great grandmother. Would love to learn more of my kin and find my path. All i see are bits and pieces would love more information on where to search
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To Keith Parker & anyone else who is asking abt your Native Heritage, Enrollment in a Tribe or Native Names: Please read my replies to earlier queries in this thread.
You must do the Genealogical work of tracing your Family Tree as well as getting all the paperwork to prove that connection to a Tribe OR you can contact the Tribal Enrollment Office You can contact the Tribal Offices of Eastern or Western Cherokee or whatever particular Tribe you believe your family to be – to find out what is required. Most Tribal offices have an Enrollment Package to mail out or will direct you to an online site. Even Google can direct you to some of them.
As for Native names – those are usually given by a Family Member, Elder or Medicine People. They do not come from a dream or experience – unless you have Family members, Elders or Medicine People present to interpret what has happened. You don’t get to pick your name, interpret a dream or experience on your own.
Wado
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My grandparents are passed away. I can’t ask them but today I found a dead eagle I’m my yard. What does them mean? I hope it is not symbolic of bad things!
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Hey — Ive read a somewhat far-fetched book and a few shifty websites that claim that the Cherokee call the Great Spirit “Yowah”. Is there any truth to this? I was hoping to write about it in a book, but I don’t want to make a false claim about a culture that isn’t mine. Thanks!
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As far as I know the elders refer to the Great Spirit as Creator. The Cherokee word they use is “Unetlanvhi.” I do not speak Cherokee so I can not pronounce it as an elder would. Most of my people, the Cherokee & Choctaw, and other tribes I’ve met simply use the word “Creator,” as it is universal.
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