Cherokee Nation

Before there were big cities with tall buildings, there was me. I was not a place you could find on a map, but a giant, loving family. My home was in the beautiful green mountains with tall trees and singing birds, a long, long time ago. I am all the stories told by the crackling fire and all the songs sung to sleepy babies. I am the grandmas and grandpas, the moms and dads, and all the children playing together. My people are called the Aniyvwiya, which means the 'Principal People'. But you can call me by my special name. I am the Cherokee Nation.

My people are very clever and love to learn. A long, long time ago, a very smart man named Sequoyah wanted us to have our own special way to read and write. Around the year 1821, he made a picture for every sound in our language. It was like a secret code just for us. Soon, everyone could write down our wonderful stories. But then came a sad time. In the 1830s, we had to take a long, long walk to a new home far away. It was a hard walk, but we held hands and sang our songs. We stayed strong because we are a family, and families always help each other.

Guess what. I am still here today, and I am bigger and stronger than ever. I have my own leaders who help everyone, and special schools where children learn to speak our Cherokee language. We love to share our happy culture with everyone. We do it by dancing in bright colors, making beautiful art, and telling our amazing stories. I am the story of a people who always care for each other and never, ever give up. My heart is full of sunshine and pride, and I will be here forever and ever.