20 Images Shows Famous Leaders in Cherokee Nation History

The Cherokee Nation has a rich and strong heritage. The Cherokee received guidance and leadership from many strong leaders. These leaders fought to defend their land, their culture, their language and their rights. Some served as leaders during a time of war. Some had been their leaders in peace. Some fought the government, laws and words. Others contributed to the maintenance of the Cherokee traditions. The most renowned leader of the Cherokee was Moytoy from Tellico. He lived in the 1700s. He is known as one of the early leaders of the Cherokee and a promoter of the unification of various Cherokee towns.

Cherokee Nation History

Another prominent Cherokee chief was Attakullakulla. He was a peace leader as well. He dealt with both the Cherokee and the European settlers. His mission was often that of peace and saving his people by engaging in careful discussions. Dragging Canoe was a war leader for the Cherokee. He was not ready to give up the land of the Cherokee. He thought that the Cherokee should oppose settlers encroaching on their territory. He guided numerous Cherokee who wished to continue to fight for their land. As a leader, he was courageous and very loyal to the cause of Cherokee independence.

Nancy Ward was a highly esteemed female Cherokee. She was a Beloved Woman, a very important role in Cherokee society. She was able to contribute and voice her opinion on decisions that were important. She advocated for peace and served her people. Nancy Ward demonstrated women possessed significant leadership roles in the Cherokee life. In the early 1800’s, Major Ridge was a strong leader of the Cherokee people. He wanted the Cherokee people to live through an extremely perilous period. He felt it was necessary to make tough decisions due to the aggressive efforts of the United States to remove the Cherokee.

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One of the most famous chiefs of the Cherokee was John Ross. He was a Principal Chief for many years. He opposed the removal of the Cherokee from their Southeast territory. He was a leader of the Cherokee Nation during one of its darkest periods, The Trail of Tears. While not a chief himself, Sequoyah was one of the greatest chiefs in the history of the Cherokee. He devised the Cherokee syllabary that enabled Cherokee to read and write in their own tongue. His work contributed to the preservation of the Cherokee identity and culture. Thanks to him, the Cherokee language gained its written identity.

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Wilma Mankiller was the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She pioneered in modern times, and was active in community, health, education, and self-government. She was a symbol of strength to the Cherokee, and to women anywhere. Her leadership demonstrated that the Cherokee values could lead the Nation into the future. Although all these leaders lived at various periods of time, each played a role in the history of the Cherokee people. Cherokee Nation honors their leaders today for their role in safeguarding a people, a culture and an enduring identity.

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