STEWARDS CARE FOR THE LAND, PEOPLE, ANIMALS, AND NATURE.
R READ AND LEARN
Teacher provides an overview of Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self-Determination, and Identity tells the story of the Cherokee Nation as a living, sovereign people whose history is defined not only by trauma and removal, but by resilience, adaptation, and self-determination. Written from a Cherokee-centered perspective, the book traces the Nation’s history from pre-contact times through colonization, forced removal along the Trail of Tears, allotment, and into the present day. Rather than presenting the Cherokee experience as a story that ends in the 19th century, the book emphasizes continuity and survival. It highlights how the Cherokee Nation rebuilt political institutions, preserved culture and language, and asserted sovereignty despite repeated attempts by the United States to dismantle Tribal governance and landholdings. Key moments—such as treaty-making, removal, statehood pressures, and federal policy shifts—are framed through Cherokee decision- making and leadership. The book also centers identity, explaining how Cherokee citizenship, community, and belonging are grounded in kinship, governance, and shared responsibility rather than stereotypes or blood myths. Contemporary chapters focus on modern Cherokee Nation government, cultural revitalization, education, and economic development, reinforcing that the Cherokee Nation is a thriving political and cultural nation today. Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self-Determination, and Identity provides readers with an accurate, Nation-based understanding of Cherokee history, emphasizing sovereignty, resilience, and the ongoing presence and leadership of the Cherokee people. The book highlights how the Cherokee Nation rebuilt its government, defended its sovereignty, and sustained cultural, linguistic, and political systems despite repeated attempts at erasure. This approach helps educators move beyond deficit-based or trauma-only narratives and toward a more accurate understanding of Indigenous governance and leadership. The book also addresses Cherokee identity and citizenship, clarifying that belonging is grounded in kinship, community, and political nationhood rather than stereotypes or blood-based myths. Contemporary chapters focus on modern governance, education, cultural revitalization, and economic development, reinforcing that the Cherokee Nation is an active, self-governing Nation today. Class Reading Inquiry Chart Teacher will refer back to the Class Reading Inquiry Chart and add additional questions that students have based on what they just read and learned.
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