This Blog Demonstrates How Cherokee Nation Youth Carry Culture Forward
Cherokee Nation youth is a critical component to maintaining the culture. They are a generation that will continue to lead the Cherokee Nation’s future. The greater the awareness of history, language, values and traditions amongst the young, the more they will pass on to the next generation. They are very important, because if the youths don’t know and appreciate the culture, it will not be resilient. Cherokee culture has been handed down for many years. Cherokee young people are learning of their culture, and knowing they are part of something meaningful and deep.
Cherokee Nation Youth
It’s rich with history and memory, and a way of thinking. Youth preserve a very important part of their identity by learning and utilizing the Cherokee language. Learning a little can help to sustain the language and respect it. Cherokee youth also pass on culture in respect to family and community. Cherokee lives are very much grounded in their families. Youth develop in values, through listening, observation and participation in community life. These values help them to learn being kind, responsible, patient and caring for others.
They hold up the essence of the culture if they represent these values. Young people too pass on traditions. Traditions bring people together: past and present. Cherokee youth engage in cultural activities, and understand the significance of these activities. They start to notice and appreciate the significance of these traditions. This enables them to take pride in their heritage and feel more ‘at home’ with those who are like themselves. Not only do they learn knowledge in school, but they learn cultural knowledge as well, so that they are strong in many respects.
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They are able to discuss the past, stand up for their rights and contribute to their community. Helping them to understand and honor the past, and to build a brighter future through education. Cherokee Nation youth carry the culture forward, including through creativity. They express themselves in art, music, writing who they are. Through these creative routes, young people have the opportunity to demonstrate pride of self. They can respect and preserve traditional values and make their own contribution to the culture.
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It’s not always easy to be a Cherokee youth. They might be pressured from the outside world. They are expected to be able to balance the culture with modern life. But their memories of their past can keep them strong. Their culture empowers them and provides them with direction. In the end, the culture is carried forward through the education, respect, practice and sharing of Cherokee Nation youth. They hold onto the language and traditions, values and community. They are a source of pride, strength and hope for the Cherokee Nation to continue to grow.
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