The Cherokee Nation: History and Culture — Reading Comprehension

The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. The Cherokee lived in villages across the Southeast. They built homes from wood and clay. The Cherokee worked together to grow corn, beans, and squash. These three crops were called the Three Sisters.

The Cherokee had a strong government. They chose leaders for each village. The leaders met to make important choices. In the early 1800s, a Cherokee man named Sequoyah made a special alphabet called a syllabary. This helped the Cherokee read and write in their own language. The Cherokee even printed their own newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix.

In the 1830s, the United States government wanted Cherokee land. The Cherokee tried to stay in their homes. Their leaders, like Chief John Ross, spoke to the government. Chief Ross said, "We are not foreigners...we are natives of this soil." But in 1838, the U.S. forced thousands of Cherokee to move west. This journey became known as the Trail of Tears. Many people grew sick or died on the long, hard walk.

Even after this, the Cherokee stayed strong. They rebuilt their towns in what is now Oklahoma. The Cherokee kept their traditions and taught them to new generations. Today, the Cherokee Nation is still proud of its history and culture. They share their stories, music, and art with the world.

Interesting Fact: The Cherokee syllabary made it possible for thousands to read and write their own language in just a few years!

Who created the Cherokee syllabary?

What are the Three Sisters?

Where did the Cherokee rebuild after the Trail of Tears?

Why did the Cherokee print their own newspaper?

What was the effect of the Trail of Tears?

Why is Sequoyah important?

The Trail of Tears happened in 1838.

What does 'traditions' mean?