OCTOBER GATHERING: Julia Coates’ Presentation
We were honored to have Tribal Councilor, Dr. Julia Coates come to our October gathering and present on the history of Keetoowahs. Dr. Coates shared a condensed but fact-filled narrative on the Keetoowahs, from forced removal through the American Civil War. She has so much knowledge of Cherokee history to share. We are grateful she could speak to our CNCV group.
The historical account was filled with intrigue, exploring internal conflicts and how they influenced decisions to side with Union versus Confederate soldiers. The Pin Indians had a big impact in key battles in the American Civil War. OsiyoTV has a video about them you may find interesting: https://youtu.be/KxhP_S58gu4?si=ySsKQAtCRP2nxSZw
In her presentation, Dr. Coates shared copies of historical papers with the group, including the Act of Union between the Eastern and Western Cherokees in 1838, which was drafted after the “Eastern Cherokees” arrived in Oklahoma after forced removal to meet the “Western Cherokees” who had self-removed to the territory earlier as Old Settlers. This was an important, foundational time for the Tribe to come together and begin work to rebuild our Nation in a new location. This all occurred in a setting of very real and continuing conflicts between groups, such as between the Treaty Party (who signed the Treaty of New Echota that led to the removal) and the National Party.
From this Act of Union, Dr. Coates shared how moving she felt the first line was and read to us: “Whereas, our fathers have existed as a separate and distinct nation… from a period extending into antiquity, beyond the records and memory of man… Therefore, we… do hereby solemnly and mutually agree to form ourselves into one body politic, under the style and title of the Cherokee Nation.” The early document highlighted the pride our Cherokee ancestors had in their sovereignty and shared heritage from the beginning, as one Tribe even through conflict. This pride still shines brightly in our Nation today.
WATER SPIDER BLANKET WINNER
Also at the meeting, we drew tickets to see who would win our Water Spider blanket. The blanket was generously donated by Mary Buzzard and Myra Bush Robertson from our sister city, Marble City Activity Organization, during their last visit with our community. The blanket came from a limited series of 300 blankets, produced by Pendleton Woolen Mills for the Cherokee Nation as part of a college education fundraiser. Out of 60 tickets, Sheila Zangrilli's name was drawn! She is very grateful to own such a beautiful treasure.
--Sabrina McKinney
