"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief

TULSA, Oklahoma - Chad Smith, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, is meeting with state and local officials in Rome, Ga., on Nov. 8 to discuss economic development, tourism and historical ties between Georgia and the federally recognized Cherokee Nation. The meeting culminates the Chief’s visit to Georgia for the 12th annual Trail of Tears Conference and Symposium.

Smith, a graduate of the University of Georgia, is a renowned speaker, educator and constitutional scholar, highly esteemed for his historical and legal knowledge and experience. Smith is serving his third term as Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the second largest Indian tribe in the United States. The Cherokee Nation is a sovereign Indian nation with 23 treaties with the United States and Great Britain. The tribe’s headquarters is located in Tahlequah, Okla., and has more than 270,000 tribal citizens.

Smith will meet with local and state officials, community leaders and tourism experts at a private reception following a dedication ceremony held at the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. The dedication ceremony is part of the weeklong activities of the conference. The conference, taking place at the Forum in Rome Nov. 5 - 8, also includes a community meeting attended by Principal Chief Smith on Nov. 7, and Smith’s keynote speech on Nov. 8.

"It is important for Cherokees to understand their history as well as current tribal affairs,” said Smith. “To do this, we must foster relationships and grow the understanding throughout our own traditional homelands. Because there are no federally recognized tribes in Georgia, it’s important that the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and historical sites such as the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home are closely tied to the Cherokee Nation today. That way, such important components of Cherokee history can be preserved, ensuring the authenticity and cultural significance of the Cherokee legacy.”

The conference is expected to draw more than 150 attendees, including visitors from around the country as well as officials and citizens of the Cherokee Nation and the other four “Civilized Tribes” that were removed from the southeastern United States. The conference addresses the long and complex history of the 1830s Removal Era in which Cherokees were forced to abandon their traditional southeastern homeland and endure the brutal journey to present-day Oklahoma. Cultural tours and lectures from expert speakers will deliver new insights and discoveries about the historic period also known as the “Trail of Tears.”

About the Trail of Tears Association

The Trail of Tears Association is a non-profit organization that supports the creation, development and interpretation of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, with its research focusing on the several known routes stretching across the southeast portion of the United States originating in Tennessee and Alabama and ending in Oklahoma in addition to uncovering unknown alternative routes.

Historical ties from Georgia to present-day Cherokee Nation

For centuries the Cherokees prospered in their traditional homeland, which at one time encompassed all or part of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi. Many Cherokees resided in Rome and the surrounding northwest Georgia areas. Some of these historic homes still stand today including homes once occupied by Major Ridge, Cherokee statesman and leader of the Treaty Party; John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation at the time of removal who vehemently opposed removal and the Treaty Party; and Joseph Vann, first Assistant Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

In 1835, the United States was given title to all Cherokee lands in the southeast in exchange for land in Indian Territory. This began the forced removal of 17,000 Cherokee citizens, a march that became known as the Trail of Tears. Although the journey was long and harsh, the Cherokee people, government and culture quickly and successfully adapted to their new homeland. After nearly 170 years of overcoming hardships, the Cherokee Nation continues to thrive.

The present-day Cherokee Nation encompasses 14 counties in northeast Oklahoma, with its capital located in Tahlequah. As a sovereign nation, the Cherokee Nation operates under a democratic form of government with legislative, judicial and executive branches and enjoys a government-to-government relationship with the United States.

For more information visit Cherokee Nation, OK, the Chieftains Museum, and the National TOTA web sites.