Description
The Chickamauga Cherokee were a Native American group that separated from the greater body of the Cherokee during the American Revolutionary War and up to the early 1800s. In 1690-1721 Dangerous Man (yuhwi Usgu siti) took his band to Ozark area north of White River. Several bands of the Chickamauga Cherokee escaped Westward prior to the Trail of Tears to avoid White expansion. Following several military setbacks and American reprisals, the majority of the Cherokee people chose to make peace with the Americans near the end of 1776. However, in the winter of 1776–77, the followers of the skiagusta (war chief), Dragging Canoe, moved with him down the Tennessee River away from their historic Overhill Cherokee towns. Relocated in a more isolated area, they established 11 new towns in order to gain distance from colonists' encroachments.
Language
Cherokee language, a member of the Iroquoian family, spoken by the Cherokee (Tsalagi) people originally inhabiting Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Culture
The Chickamauga Nation is traditionalistic and follow the ancient laws and religion which demand they are a non-casino Nation; they are opposed to gaming. As such, The Chickamauga Nation is an economic development Nation that seeks to work with federal, state, and local entities to bring economic development to the whole community in which the Chickamauga live. The Chickamauga seek to be placed on the Serviced Tribes Roll to allow The Chickamauga Nation and its citizens the opportunity to qualify for various grants to assist and promote economically disadvantaged communities, cities,and states within their Treaty and Traded Land Boundaries. The 1700’s play a pivotal role in Chickamauga history. While the French and Spanish missionaries came to teach the “Indians” about the God of the Bible, the Chickamauga held onto their own ancient religion passed down from generation to generation. The Chickamauga understood divination (witchcraft) and knew from their religion that witchcraft is a capital offense and those practicing witchcraft must be put to death.