Life with the
Cherokee
By Kaitlyn Phillips
C
herokee, North Carolina
entwines the traditions of
the past with the modern
conveniences of today in
an effort to preserve their
beautiful, intricate culture. From
storytelling to bonfired pottery
to expressive dances, the Cherokee
customs are alive (and thriving)
in this small town neighboring
the Great Smoky Mountain National
Park. During my stay, my eyes were
opened to the Native Americans’
appreciation for nature, unity and
balance. My perspective on the
Cherokee and on the world, was
changed; may yours be, too.
I was given the opportunity to
participate in several Cherokee
rituals over the course of a week,
perhaps most notably in my
immersion in nature. John-John
Grant, Mike Crowe, J.D. Arch and
Last Bear Wilnoty were my guides
during my visit and they took me
a variety of places: Kituwah, the
Mother City; Mingo Falls; Islands
Park; Deep Creek; and Bryson City.
Each location had a significance,
whether it be for a religious ritual or
storytelling or simply getting away.
On a walk with Last Bear, he pointed
out various leaves, roots and flowers
that the Cherokee utilize in
medicines; Mike explained that if
one takes something from nature,
one must leave something behind as
a thank you. John-John claimed that
for every creature on this planet,
there is a corresponding story for
that creature. For example, the mole
became squinty-eyed after staring
at the sun for too long, and the
chipmunk got its stripes from a
grumpy bear. The eagle flew to
space to hang up stars, causing his
head to freeze white from frost.
Speaking of stories, this is another
fantastic element of Cherokee life.
The art of storytelling is sacred, and
the position of storyteller can only
be passed down to the smartest and
brightest in the village. It’s a great
responsibility to memorize and
recount every story relevant to the
Cherokee culture. John-John is a
storyteller of this town, and he
captivated me with his tales of “How
to Follow Directions,” “The Story of
the Blanket” and “The Story of Night
and Day.” In Cherokee society,
stories are used to retell historical
events, to explain why things are or
used to administer a lesson to a
misbehaving child. J.D. shared that
storytellers wear a special belt
called a “walking belt,” formed out
of beads made from seashells, called
Wampum beads. Each bead on the
belt represents a story and these
stories walk through time, hence the
name. I was so in love with this idea,
I purchased my own Wampum shell
before leaving.
If there’s one thing the Cherokee
taught me during my visit, it is the
importance of history and heritage.
The Cherokee have a tragic history,
from racial stereotyping and abuse
from English settlers to the Trail
of Tears. Yet in spite of these past
grievances, they are incredibly full
of love and giving. Part of their
culture is to be communal and
hospitable, and that’s what they
showed me. In living out their
generosity, they freely gave
knowledge to me. They spoke
reverently of their ancestors, they
candidly explained how they healed
from past mistreatments at the
hands of settlers, they shared their
hopes and ideas for the future, for
unity in our nation. Their positivity
and eagerness was awe-inspiring,
humbling and incredibly moving.
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