This photo shows a road believed to have been used during the Cherokee removal of 1838.
(From the perspective of a Cherokee Indian who is being forced off their land during the Indian Removal Act; References from Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality by Joel Spring)
How can these people believe that they have the right to steal our land? They say that we can have the land west of the Mississippi river, but why can’t they take the land to the west. Why should we move? We were here first. Do they think we are less human just because we have different beliefs and values and look different? If you ask me the Americans could learn a thing or two from us. Our culture values non-violence and equality. We do not beat our children and women have the right to fully participate in our tribes. We also value the importance of community. We help our neighbors when they are in need and we also value the wisdom and experiences of everyone in the tribe to teach our young ones. (Spring pgs. 10-13)
The U.S. Army is currently using violence to steal our land from us. Our people are dying from disease and other hazards as we travel to the west. The Cherokees that stayed behind had their houses burned down and were forced into stockades. (Spring pg.28) I hope my people, the Cherokees, stay strong through this difficult time and can look forward to a future where we can all live together peacefully.
How can these people believe that they have the right to steal our land? They say that we can have the land west of the Mississippi river, but why can’t they take the land to the west. Why should we move? We were here first. Do they think we are less human just because we have different beliefs and values and look different? If you ask me the Americans could learn a thing or two from us. Our culture values non-violence and equality. We do not beat our children and women have the right to fully participate in our tribes. We also value the importance of community. We help our neighbors when they are in need and we also value the wisdom and experiences of everyone in the tribe to teach our young ones. (Spring pgs. 10-13)
The U.S. Army is currently using violence to steal our land from us. Our people are dying from disease and other hazards as we travel to the west. The Cherokees that stayed behind had their houses burned down and were forced into stockades. (Spring pg.28) I hope my people, the Cherokees, stay strong through this difficult time and can look forward to a future where we can all live together peacefully.
Yours Truly,
The Cherokees
The Cherokees
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