Did you know the Cherokee are one of the most famous Native American tribes in the United States? Long ago, they lived in the green forests of the Southeast, hunted deer, grew corn, and passed down stories full of adventure and wisdom. They even had their own written language before many people in America could read or write! In this article, we’ll explore Cherokee Tribe facts for kids that are easy to understand, exciting to learn, and full of amazing history. Let’s discover their homes, games, traditions, and how they became known as the “Principal People.”
Get ready to step into the world of the Cherokee!
Cherokee Tribe Facts For Kids
The Cherokee Tribe is the largest Native American Tribe. They originally lived in the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States but were forced to relocate to Oklahoma in the 1830s and 1840s under the Indian Removal Act.
They called themselves “Ani-Yunwiya”, meaning “principal people”. While the name “Cherokee” originates from the Creek word “Chelokee”, meaning “people of different speech” .
Cherokee Kids Daily Life
Let’s explore what daily life was like for Cherokee children. The tribe consisted of both hunters and farmers. Crops like squash and corn were grown while animals like deer, elk and bears were hunted. Children spent their time learning how to hunt and fish with their parents. From a young age, they learned to use spears, fishing poles, and bows and arrows.
In their free time The Cherokee tribe children played a stickball game similar to lacrosse, it was called “Anejodi”. They also used to create art that included doing beadwork, painting baskets and carving wood. Traditions and morals were taught to children by the mother’s oldest brother.
Cherokee Clan System for Kids
Now, let’s learn about the Cherokee clan system and what each clan stood for. The Cherokee clan system and customs changed within time, but used to be seven clans:
1. Aniwaya, Wolf Clan
Aniwaya, was the largest clan of the tribe. They represented war as most war chiefs belonged from this clan. They were given the name Wolf Clan as they were the only ones allowed to track or kill a wolf. Their responsibility was to provide security to the tribe and teach loyalty to their people.
2. Anigatogewi or Anigadogewi, Wild Potato Clan
Anigadogewi represented flesh as they were nurturers. They were also farmers who collected wild potatoes, hence earning them the name. Their responsibility was to collect harvest.
3. Anigilohi, Long Hair Clan
Anigilohi represented day and night as they were known as peacemakers and mediators. They were responsible for teaching spiritual knowledge and acting as mediators.
4. Aniawi, Deer Clan
Aniawi were keepers of deers, they were known to be swift runners like deers. Their responsibility was to hunt deers and spread knowledge about the animal within the tribe.
5. Anisahoni, Blue Holly Clan
Anisahoni represented the sky. They were named after a blue plant called the Blue Holly. They had responsibilities about passing their teachings related to the panther, herbs and medicines.
6. Ani Tsiskwa, Bird Clan
Ani Tsiskwa were keepers of birds and they represented the spirit. Their responsibility was to convey messages, both within and beyond this world. They were spiritual guides for the tribe.
7. Aniwodi, Red Paint Clan
Aniwodi was the smallest clan of the tribe and they represent death. They were called the Red Paint clan as they were the only ones allowed to create red dye for ceremonies and warfare.
Matrilineal Clan System
These clans ran on a matrilineal society. Matrilineal means passed through the mothers line. Cherokee children gained clanship and leadership power through their mothers lineage. The tribe also had a strong sense of community as clans took care of orphans and the practice was known as “Gaudgi”.
Cherokee Traditions for Kids
The Cherokee tribe was deeply spiritual. Their spiritual beliefs influenced many of their daily and ceremonial practices. Their belief includes that plants, rivers, animals, mountains etc have spiritual powers. They celebrate traditions for many reasons such as when babies are born, to heal people, or when they want to war.
Some of the special traditions to celebrate, pray, or heal are;
- Ceremonial Story telling
- Ceremonial Music
- Ceremonial dances
- Ceremonial Music
- Ancient Art of Beadwork
Cherokee Ceremonial Dances for Kids
The Cherokee Tribe celebrate through Ceremonial dances for example;
- Cherokee war dance
- Booger dance
- Stomp dance
- Rain dance
- Friendship dance
- Beaver Dance and many more
The Cherokee War Dance for Kids
The Cherokee War Dance is performed for when men go to war, or while meeting other nations for peace. Other dances like Beaver and Friendship dance are performed for social reasons. While the Rain dance is performed to summon spirits of Gods in order to bring rain and keep the harvest safe.
You can explore more about Cherokee culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Cherokee Government Explained
The Cherokee Government was known as “The Nation” by the Native Americans. It was a legal government from 1794, but was disbanded in 1907. The reason for disbanding was due to land rights of the Native Americans becoming diminished. Before that the Tribe had its own three-branch government, their own election and laws.
Visit the official Cherokee Nation Website to learn more about the modern-day Cherokee people and their government.
Cherokee Tribe History for Kids
- The tribe’s ancestors are considered to be from the Pisgah Phase.
- Before European contact, the Cherokee Tribe lived in parts that are now known as; Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and few others.
- Trade became the main reason for European contact in the 17th century.
- As European expansion continued to increase in America. Native Americans decided to aid the U.S government by fighting against European establishment till 1830’s.
- Gold was discovered in Georgia in the late 1820s, leading to increased pressure to remove Cherokee people from their land. Then the Indian Removal Act was announced by the U.S government in 1830’s forcing the Native Americas out of their native lands.
Want to learn about another fascinating tribe? Check out our Miami Tribe Facts For Kids!
The Trail Of tears for Kids
According to the Indian Removal Act In 1840, five Native American Tribes were forced off their land by the government This included the Cherokee tribe who were forced to move to Oklahoma. The Trail of Tears involved travelling through difficult conditions and terrains. Most of the people covered this distance on foot; only few used animals and wagons that were available.
Elderly people and children suffered the most during the Trail of Tears, as resources were scarce and government aid was not enough to cover the long distance, thousands died during the migration.
You can read original historical documents about the Trail of Tears at the U.S. National Archives.
Cherokee Language for Kids
The Cherokee language is called “Tsalagi Gawonihisdi” by the tribe itself. The language of the tribe is a part of the Iroquoian language family and the written form of it is known as Cherokee Syllabary.
According to Ethnologue, the Cherokee language is classified under Iroquoian languages and is endangered.
Who Was Sequoyah for Kids
Sequoyah was a renowned neographer, a person who invents a writing system. He invented the Cherokee Syllabary. He was also called George Gist or George Guess. He belonged to the Cherokee tribe and was a man with knowledge in many fields. Sequoyah started working on the writing system in 1809 and completed it by early 1821.
Cherokee Alphabets
The Cherokee Syllabary consists of 85 symbols that represent the sound of the Cherokee language. In Cherokee syllabary, symbols represent a syllable. While in English Language letters represent a sound.
Fun facts About The Cherokee Tribe
- Warriors fought with a melee weapon like a spear.
- Water territories were covered by canoes made by hollowing trees.
- As of the most recent estimate, there are approximately 2,000 to 2,200 fluent Cherokee speakers, primarily in Oklahoma and North Carolina.
- Cherokee people traditionally did not wear feathered headdresses; these were adopted later to entertain tourists.
- n 1827, the Cherokee Nation created a written constitution, modeled in part after the U.S. Constitution, including a legislative, judicial, and executive branch.
- Cherokee women played a significant role in decision-making. They could represent clans in councils and even veto war declarations!
- River cane, a bamboo-like plant, was used by the Cherokee to build houses, make baskets, arrows, and even blowguns.
- The Cherokee folklore includes tales of “Yunwi Tsunsdi,” or little spirit people who were invisible to most but helped humans in mysterious ways.
Now you know so many cool facts about the Cherokee Tribe! From their brave warriors and fun stickball games to their special clans and amazing writing system, the Cherokee people have a rich and powerful history. They cared for nature, respected their elders, and believed in working together as a strong community.
If you’re curious about other tribes, don’t miss our Native American Facts For Kids!
- Keep reading, keep exploring, and never stop asking questions!
- Ask your teacher or parents which tribe lived near your area!
- And don’t forget to share these Cherokee Tribe facts for kids with your friends at school!
