Disenfranchised Cherokees
Disenfranchised Cherokees
by Barbara "Shining Woman" Warren
We descendants who are not eligible to enroll in a federally recognized Cherokee tribe are "disenfranchised" Cherokee. Individuals who are not acknowledged by the federal government or any federally recognized tribe as being Cherokee have lost their right "legally" to be who they are. No other minority in the United States needs to prove to the federal government who their ancestors were.
Although a Cherokee descendent may not be raised in a traditional community and may not be a member of a federally recognized tribe, it does not preclude a person from being Cherokee. Being Cherokee is determined by birth and blood, not by nationality or federal permission. If you are aware of your family's oral history and choose to acknowledge your heritage, let no one deny you that privilege. Historically, the federal government sanctioned theft, murder, and genocide against the aboriginal people of this country. Do not allow your Cherokee birthright to be taken from you as well.
If you are a disenfranchised Cherokee, why not join in a Cherokee association in your state. If you have a strong desire to identify with your Cherokee ancestors, make a commitment to learn about the culture, language and traditions. Share what you learn with your family, friends and community.
Let your friends, colleagues and community know that you are a Cherokee descendent.
You have the right to recognize your heritage without an apology for how much or how little quantum blood you are.
Make a positive statement- I am Cherokee. When filling out questionnaires/forms, identify yourself as Cherokee, American Indian, or Native American whenever possible. Remember Cherokees have a marvelous, rich history, but we are also part of today's world. Let others know we are here.
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Cherokee Prayer Blessing May the warm winds of heaven Blow softly upon your house May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there May your moccasins make happy tracks In many snows, And may the rainbow Always touch your shoulder Author Unknown Cherokee Traveler's Greeting I will draw thorns from your feet. We will walk the White Path of Life together. Like a brother of my own blood, I will love you. I will wipe tears from your eyes. When you are sad, I will put your aching heart to rest.
Night moon forever watching the earthen creatures padding through the night, Stars that paint the world with ideas and truth, Sky being that holds them all together, Watch the wolf travel the land and carry his hymn through the night, Wolf who walks in the night scared not of his shadow, Wolf who always sees the path that is open even when it is dark, Wolf who owns his place in the universe even when he travels the land, Howl to the greatness of the night, Plains that hold the life blood of the buffalo, Mountains that provide homes to those in need of shelter, Hills sharing the space in between the two, Watch for the wolf as he approaches carrying his song through the day Wolf who would listen, Wolf who's leadership is also his harmony, Wolf who's prowess encourages the young to grow, Howl to the greatness of the day, Winds that breath the wolf's howl to the world, Trees that share the world with the animals, Flowers that whisper when the wolf stops to smell the earth, Watch the wolf as he binds the earth with sky in a single breath, Wolf who holds friendship, loyalty, and love, Wolf who preservers against the thunder, Wolf who hunts when his brethren are hungry, Howl to the the greatness of the world, Ocean of blue and keeper of rain, Streams that share the life flow of mother earth, Rivers that weave the earth to the ocean, Watch for the wolf as he sings his story for all to hear Wolf who knows solitude is a friend to the soul, Wolf who knows a glass pond is sometimes better walked around, Wolf who knows... the beauty of your Spirit Sing your music.
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