Introduction

Cherokee people were one of the first to inhabit the land that is known as America today. Since the early 16th century, the Cherokee people have been known to be one of the most socially and culturally advanced Native American tribes. As a tribe they worked together and thrived doing so. As the Europeans invaded their land, the Cherokee people embraced them and ultimately taught them the ins and outs of the land. Then tragedy struck for the Cherokee people when Indian Removal Act was introduced which moved them to Oklahoma. As they made the journey, they became weak, and many died. They rebuilt and recovered since then, and as of today they are a wealthy culture. I invite you to keep reading to learn more about the Cherokee culture.

To An Old Friend

As years pass, the way things are change in many different ways. In this next section you will explore what the roles were for the men, women, and children of the Cherokee culture. You will also get an insight of the changes that have occurred within the children of this culture through reading a letter between two old friends that grew up together in the same village.

Dear Gola,

I miss you so much and I miss our village we grew up in. I remember when we were children running around outside getting into all kinds of trouble. We would finish our chores and then play stickball with all the other kids in the village. Our moms would plant all types of goodies in the garden and take care of the house while our dads went out and hunted for different animals. I have my own garden now just like my mom, do you have your own garden as well? Oh, I miss how we all worked together to survive and depended on one another. I wish my grandchildren could experience it. The stay inside on their phones and playing videogames all day. We were so active and energetic at their age, but they are just lazy couch potatoes. Are you experiencing this with your grandkids? I wish we could go back to the day where the animals roamed free and we were truly connected with nature. I miss you Gola!

Much love,

Kamam

Did You Hear That

Passing down stories and legends to the younger generations is a big deal in the Cherokee culture. The next section of this book is inspired by a Cherokee legend, Grandmother Spider Brings The Sun. This is an original story that is presented through storytelling.

Many many years ago there was this scrappy wolf named Dagger who got into all kinds of trouble. He hated having to listen to the older wolves of his pack and went out on his own without telling anyone. His elders would tell him that if he kept separating from the pack, one day he would find himself in trouble and might not make it back. Well they were right. Dagger left the pack and as he was out sniffing around on his own, he ran into the meanest mountain lion around. Dagger was scared and stared running for his life. He called out for his pack, but nobody was around to hear him. The mountain lion eventually caught up to Dagger and cornered him. Just as the mountain lion was about to hurt Dagger, the alpha male of his pack and a couple more came to his rescue.

They were able to scare the mountain lion away and Dagger was not injured. The alpha wolf called Dagger over and had a serious talk with him. He said “Dagger after today I hope you realize why we stick together. We are a family and when there is someone in need we all come together and help them out. I hope you learned your lesson and I want you to think the next time you decide to run off again.” After that day, Dagger learned what it meant to be in a pack and why they stuck together. Eventually Dagger went under the alphas wing and took over his position when the time came. Dagger is now a wise leader who has to teach the new scrappy wolves who decide to go out on their own.

Lets Talk Food

The Cherokee culture was based off of hunting, gathering, and some farming. The women of the household would prepare all of the meals and plant gardens to grow food to nourish their families. With this, they create their own authentic dishes. The next thing you will read is a restaurant description with a short menu with cuisine that is authentic to the Cherokee culture.

The Tribe

This is a family owned restaurant with authentic Cherokee food. We want you to feel like you are sitting down at our family dinner table enjoying a nice homecooked meal. All of the women of our household created the dishes and are the chefs in our restaurant. So, when we say it taste like grandmas cooking it actually taste like grandmas cooking. 

Bean Bread

Delicious made from scratch bread that has beans folded throughout.

Fried Hominy 

Mouthwatering hominy with bacon and green onion for flavor

Grape Dumplings

Savory dumplings poached in grape juice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top

Wild Onions and Eggs

Fresh wild onions chopped up and mixed in with your choice of eggs.