Posts Tagged ‘JasksonLand’

“John Ross embraced real democracy and the Cherokee do today as they celebrate this country. i was struck on the 4th of July last year by what seems to be such an incredible paradox. i am constantly in awe of the dignity and grace, the humanity, the memory of what was, the knowing of what is, the joining of cultures, and also, independence. This particular powwow is held annually, now for 40 years, by The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC within the Qualla Boundary.”

“During our vacation visits to the Smoky Mountains in the summer, my grandfather loved to talk about his Cherokee ancestor. He always made sure we had a picture made with one of the Cherokees at a souvenir stand. I later learned that they refer to this as ‘Chiefin.’ It seems horrifyingly inappropriate now, but at the time, I can assure you there was no disrespect intended.”