I Am Native American (cherokee)

When my youngest daughter was 4 years old, she had a Native Canadian friend, the same age, named Roy. She adored him and loved the shade of his skin. She also loved all the native art and collectibles in his home. She asked me, one day, when I picked her up from his home, Mommy, if I get a good enough tan, can I be barefoot like Roy? I didn't understand why she needed a tan to go barefoot. The next time I spoke to his farther he told me that they were Bearfoot First Nation. Not barefoot.

I had to tell her that she would never be Bearfoot, no matter how dark she tanned, but she could buy some art and collectibles from the reserve, next time Roy and his family took her out there. I gave Roy's dad $50.00 and asked him to take her shopping. He refused the money but bought her a few items that she admired, including a pair of beaded moccasins. She was thrilled.

Your dad probably grew up in the 50's and 60's when western or cowboy-indian movies were popular and where "the only good indians were dead indians". As a kid, I imagine his choices were to either pretend that he wasn't or get teased and/or beaten up by other kids.

Native Americans were depicted as savages, or alcoholics, or go-fers with funny hats. Tonto was maybe the lone exception, but much of that was because he was the fateful servant of the Lone Ranger. Also, he was tall, spoke clearly, was brave, and didn't drink or hang round with bad company. Had Tonto been short and overweight, or had he occasionally overindulged in wine or women, it's unlikely that he would have been cast as the exception :)

Per tales from the old timers, there was a bit of an ethnic purge in the US in the late teens and early 20's. Until then, there were still French, Spanish, German and everything-else speaking communities and neighborhoods in the US. And suddenly there was like a big move to English only where English was force-fed to the kids and there was a sense of shame levied on those stuck in non-English speaking cultures. The western movies of the 30's, 40's and 50's probably fed off the white-English speaking. In reality much of the old wild west was actually Spanish speaking and blended assorted creole heritage.

The only thing we can now do about deceased parents is to understand and be compassionate about what they had to endure, and try to make for a more considerate and compassionate America as we move forward. Be proud of his having survived whatever horrors he experienced. You are the living proof of his triumph over the adversities.

Interesting. I recently discovered that i am part native American as well but until recently no one spoke about it. Only the cousins. We thought we were Mexican. A test by Ancestry.com confirmed but i don't know which nation yet. I'm also German and Irish. Quite the mix. 😊

Very nice story, about you. And our heritage has a lot to do with shaping our lives. My Mother is French. We all, came from somewhere and that gene pool, makes us more stronger and able to survive and prosper:)

Yes. We should all be proud of our total heritage. My mom was 7/8 English and 1/8 Irish. She was very proud of that. That makes me 1/16 Irish and my kids 1/32 Irish. I tell my kids to be proud too.

Dec. 1/16
10:26 pm

I'm 1/4 Cherokee as well. My grandfather on my mother's side was Cherokee. I also have Irish and Scottish ancestors.

Good for you. The Native Americans suffered a horrible hollocast"

I've wished I had some Naive American blood in me for decades, now. I've always liked their name for God the best of anyone: Great Spirit. I was sangry (sad & angry) when I learned about the Trail of Tears suffered by the Cherokee from the hands of an oppressive Government. I wonder if use of the ancient medical knowledge of Native America tribes could make our healthcare system more effective, less toxic, and less expensive.

grandpa on my mom's side was... I think at least half, maybe full choctaw. he wouldn't get a roll card because it was getting something he hadn't earned and being NA was considered to be the worst of all the possible minorities. it's odd how that sorta thing happens.

Never understood why anyone would be ashamed of their heritage. I get some people just aren't interested, but being upset about it strikes me as silly. Why on earth??

Cherokee had their own written language and published a newspaper.
My mother-in-law was 1/2. She was a nice lady but you didn't want to piss her off.

Wear it with pride, and make sure you share it with all.

Iam 1/8 cherokee

You should be proud of this.

Yeah, there's a lot my family won't talk about either.🤔I'd love to take a test they have out to see what is in my DNA, or what ever they do?! That Ancestry thing seems to be popular.⭐

I am also, welcome

Care to share the photos with us?

Have you done a DNA test through Ancestry?

Yes you are. A very defined and wholesome Native American
Woman. 😊