Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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The development of the Cherokee History Institute course involved citizens of both Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band Cherokee. There are regular mutual endeaveros between the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma (CNO) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

The Cherokee Nation history course is conducted regularly in Oklahoma and in Cherokee communities around the country, is free of charge and is one of the best overviews of major historical events specific to Cherokee History. Principal Chief Chad Smith developed the course in 1990 and has been conducting history workshops and seminars around the country since then. There is no charge for the course. The Cherokee language courses are also free.

The Cherokee Youth/Elder Council members conducted a workshop this past year that included an incredible resource of materials, videos, storytelling, camp side exchanges on Cherokee Nation social historical facts and information. Deputy Principal Chief Hastings Shade, an active member of the Cherokee Youth Council for many years participated in every aspect of the workshop. The event wasn't funded by an outside source and therefore to pay for the meeting place, food (3) times a day and all the materials included there was a charge. It was well attended and several asked that more be made available.

The Cherokee language has been taught in several universities and colleges in Oklahoma for several years. Aspects of Cherokee history have also been included in college level courses for academic credit in Oklahoma for many years. Certainly Cherokee legal history has been a required major resource of all Indian law courses taught around the country.

The present CNO administration began an ongoing pro-active schedule and effort for the Cherokee History Course that is offered free of charge so that Cherokee citizens have the opportunity to learn of the great legacy left us by our ancestors.

Hastings Shade and the Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Division share and exchange cirriculum develop with our fellow Cherokee Eastern Band counterparts regularly.

There are many Cherokee people dedicated to preserving the language, history, cultural traditions and values through the development of authentic, correct academic courses designed for pre-schoolers up through higher education levels as well as the general public. The Cherokee Nation's Principal Chief, Chad Smith, and Deputy Principal Chief, Hastings Shade, have made Cherokee History and Language education an important part of the tribal government agenda.

When elected officials of the Cherokee Nation swear their oaths of office, among other required promises in that oath, they are signifcantly and specifically asked to preserve Cherokee culture, language and traditions. We are glad that our current Chief and Deputy Chief have taken that promise sincerely. Work continues daily to develop circulumn that can be included in all schools so that our children can take pride in what their ancestors have done to make what we have today possible. It is up to the Cherokee Council members to approve and appropriate funding for the cultural and language presevation efforts. Tribal budgets sometimes limit the extent of these efforts and this is why outside grants, and cooperative efforts between the Eastern Band as well as academic institutions play a large roll in helping preseve the cultural history and language education efforts.

There is a vast array of academic research, documents, books, legal cases, academic courses available to the public on Cherokee History at universities such as Northeastern State University, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Rogers State College, Tulsa University, etc, that anyone can avail themselves of if they desire education. In fact many universities around the country have libraries dedicated to Native American history. Always verify the credibility of the writers and the content regarding same, especially some that are available on the internet.

For more information about the Cherokee Nation history course contact Julia Coates, phone: 918-456-0671. The Cherokee Cultural Department is part of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, Edcuation Division.

Everyone who have volunteered their help along with hardworking staff deserve many thanks and appreciation for dedicated efforts to help preserve and share Cherokee History and Language.