Eastern Band of Cherokee
In early times the Cherokee settled in the southeastern Appalachian Mountain area. Villages had chiefs but most major decisions were made by a council of elders. Inheritance was passed down through the mother and women held important positions along with the men.
Their first contact with Europeans was in 1540, when a captive Cherokee woman led DeSoto and his explorers into their lands. In 1835, the Cherokee ceded their lands to the federal government. Many were forced to move to Oklahoma (Indian Territory) while others resisted and stayed near their homeland. In 1925 they received title to a small part of their traditional lands in North Carolina.
The Cherokee are famous for being the first North American Native nation to have a written language.
About the flag:
The flag features the official seal of the Cherokee Nation, adopted in 1839. The seven pointed star represents the seven ancient Cherokee clans; the Long Hair, Wolf, Bird, Paint, Blue, Wild Potato, and Deer clans. Two words for "Cherokee Nation" written in native script appear in the border. The wreath of oak leaves represents the wood that was used in the sacred fire, kept perpetually burning at a central point in the Cherokee Nation.
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