ᎠᏂᎦᏚᎵᏍᏗ · Preserving Our Heritage
Educational Resources
& Programs
Knowledge is the fire that cannot be extinguished. Through language, history, arts, and community, we pass the flame of Cherokee culture to every generation.
Why Education Matters
Culture Survives Through Teaching
For generations, outside forces tried to silence the Cherokee language, erase our ceremonies, and sever our children from their heritage. Our educational programs are an act of resistance and renewal — a declaration that the Chickamauga Cherokee are not a people of the past.
Whether you are a tribal member reconnecting with your roots, a Cherokee youth discovering your identity, or a neighbor wanting to understand the true history of this land — our programs are open to you.
Rooted in Land
Our education is grounded in the Arkansas River Valley — the land our people call home.
Community First
Every program is designed to strengthen bonds between tribal members across all generations.
Elder-Led Wisdom
Our elders are the living library of our culture. Their knowledge guides everything we teach.
Accurate History
We teach the full truth of Cherokee history — the triumphs, the tragedies, and the resilience.
Our Programs
What We Offer
Cherokee Language Preservation
ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ · Aniyvwiya
The Cherokee syllabary — created by Sequoyah (ᏍᏏᏉᏯ) around 1820 — is one of the most remarkable achievements in linguistic history. Our language program works to keep this living language alive through classes, materials, and community practice.
- Introduction to the Cherokee syllabary
- Conversational Cherokee for beginners
- Cherokee phrases for children and families
- Written materials and pronunciation guides
Traditional Arts & Crafts
Living Heritage
From beadwork and ribbon shirts to quilting and basket weaving, our traditional arts program connects tribal members — especially youth — to the craft traditions passed down through generations of Chickamauga Cherokee people.
- Beadwork and jewelry making
- Ribbon shirt and dress construction
- Quilt making in the old style
- Basket weaving and natural materials
Ceremonial Music & Dance
Living Tradition
Stomp dances, ceremonial songs, and traditional drumming are not performances — they are prayers and community bonds. Our music and dance program teaches the sacred rhythms and movements that have defined Cherokee identity for centuries.
- Stomp dance instruction for all ages
- Traditional drumming and song
- Ceremonial protocol and meaning
- Youth dance groups and mentorship
Cherokee History & Culture
Know Where You Come From
Understanding the full arc of Cherokee history — from the ancient mound builders to the Trail of Tears, from Dragging Canoe's resistance to our presence in Arkansas today — is essential to knowing who we are as a people.
- Chickamauga Cherokee history curriculum
- The Trail of Tears and its aftermath
- Dragging Canoe and the Chickamauga resistance
- Arkansas Cherokee history and recognition journey
Youth Scholarship & Mentorship
Investing in Our Future
Our youth are the next generation of Cherokee leaders, healers, teachers, and storytellers. We support Cherokee youth in their academic journeys while keeping them rooted in their cultural identity.
- Scholarship assistance for tribal youth
- Mentorship pairing with tribal elders
- College and career guidance
- Cultural identity workshops for teens
Community Outreach & Awareness
Sharing Our Story
We partner with schools, libraries, and community organizations across Arkansas to share the true history and living culture of the Chickamauga Cherokee people — correcting misconceptions and building bridges of understanding.
- School and library presentations
- Cultural demonstrations at public events
- Partnerships with Arkansas educators
- Native American Heritage Month programming
Community Partnership
Jasper School District Recognition
The Jasper School District has formally recognized the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas, opening the door for educational partnerships that bring authentic Cherokee history and culture directly into Arkansas classrooms.
This recognition is a milestone — not just for our tribe, but for every Arkansas student who deserves to learn the true, complete history of the land they live on.
View Recognition DocumentsJasper School District
Formally recognized the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas as a legitimate tribal entity, supporting cultural education in Newton County schools.
Newton County, Arkansas
Language Spotlight
The Cherokee Syllabary
Created by Sequoyah (ᏍᏏᏉᏯ) around 1820, the Cherokee syllabary is one of the only writing systems independently invented by a single person. Within a few years of its creation, the majority of Cherokee people were literate — a remarkable achievement that speaks to the power of our people.
ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ
Aniyvwiya
The Real People
ᏓᎶᏂᎨᏒ
Adanyvdo Ulisdi
The fire still burns
ᏂᎦᏛᎢ
Nigadvdi
We are still here
ᏣᎳᎩ
Tsalagi
Cherokee
Get Involved
Learn With Us
Whether you are a tribal member, a student, an educator, or simply someone who wants to understand the true history of Arkansas — reach out. Our programs are built for community.