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Ahmad Hill
Professor Lynn Raymond
University Writing 1104
21 July 2016
Exploring the Cherokee Indian Nation
After discussing family tree details with my distant cousin, Mr. Lonnie Melton, I
discovered some interesting information about my great grandparents, such as their bloodlines,
occupations, and property they owned. Both of my grandfathers parents were mostly Cherokee
Indian and lived in the western part of North Carolina where they owned approximately ten acres
of land and farmed to make a living, while also developing a church. So, instead of discussing
the United States of Americas history, I will be writing about the Cherokee Indian tribes that
existed in North Carolina and bordering states.
The primary colors for the Cherokee Nation Flag are orange, and black, with orange
supporting as the background. In the middle of the Cherokee Nation Flag there is a Cherokee
seal that contains a gold seven-pointed star that represents the seven Cherokee clans; these clans
are Bird, Wild Potato, Deer, Long Hair, Paint, Blue and Wolf. Every one of these clans had
signature characteristics, such as the Bird clan being the messengers between earth and heaven.
Wild Potato are essentially the farmers or keepers of the land that allowed the communities to
remain healthy. The Deer clan contained members who were speedy and hunters. Long Hair
were peacefully and noble members and in times of war and desperation, the Indian Peace Chief
would come from this clan. Paint were known as medicine people, during healing processes
these people would paint sacred mixtures onto those who were in unhealthy. Similarly, Blue is
also a medicine clan, but they specialize in the healing of children who were ill. Lastly, but

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certainly not the least in contribution is Wolf. Wolf was the largest clan and throughout times of
war, the War Chief government would come from this clan (Cherokee Clans). With all the
varying characteristics that each clan withholds, they all contributed substantially to the
successfully formation of the Cherokee Indian nation. In continuation of the Cherokee Nation
Flag, surrounding the seven-pointed star that is located in the middle of the flag is a wreath of
leaves that depicts the sacred fire of the Cherokee, which was maintained by spiritual leaders for
centuries. Enclosing the seal are the words SEAL OF THE CHEROKEE NATION, and the
date September 6, 1839. The importance of September 6, 1839 for the Cherokee tribe is the
official signing of the first Cherokee Constitution that was enforced after the Indian Removal Act
("What Does the Symbolism of the Cherokee Flag Mean?").
A few centuries ago, before the invasion of immigrants, Indians were categorized into
one nation and flourished throughout the southeast of what is now referred to as the United
States of America. However, in result of the Indian Removal Act, the majority of Indians were
forced to relocate into the middle parts of the country in states like Oklahoma. Those who
escaped relocation mostly likely possessed land in the western parts of North Carolina, and
possibly one of them being my great grandfather. What I find fascinating about the Native
American population, in general, is the support and peacefulness they still contribute to the
United States of America. Even today, they share part of their national anthem with the United
States of America.
O say can you see, are the opening words for both the United States of Americas
national anthem and the Cherokee national anthem, but of course the Cherokee version is in a
different language (WCU News). Afterwards, the two nations separate in lyrics as the United
States expresses patriotic pride, devotion and their fight independence. On the other hand, the

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Cherokee nation presents messages of strength and the desire of peace. Although this national
anthem was not written by the original Cherokee nation, fluent speakers and members of this
tribes produced and adopted these lyrics because of the inspirational messages that it presents
and the peaceful factor that the Cherokee nation promoted.

Works Cited

"Cherokee Clans." Cherokee Clans. Cherokee Nation, n.d. Web. 20 July 2016.
"WCU News - WCU Records Cherokee Anthem, Helps With Cherokee Language
Revitalization" Western Carolina University. N.p., 5 Apr. 2006. Web. 20 July 2016.

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"What Does the Symbolism of the Cherokee Flag Mean?" Cherokee Registry. Cherokee
Heritage, n.d. Web. 20 July 2016.