I am (small) part Cherokee (not to sound “Warren-like”) but my ancestors were on the Hester rolls and my great-great-great grandfather was full Cherokee (his name was Dragging Canoe).
Anyhow, what I find the most fascinating is how well the tribe keeps ancestry records. When I remarried, and my husband wanted to adopt my son, the adoption attorney had to get the written approval of the Cherokees. It is a formality, but it is important for their genealogy records.
Another thing I love, is how they stood up to the liberals trying to get rid of the Braves name and the Tomahawk Chop in Atlanta. Basically they said it did not bother them, they are proud of their heritage and appreciate all the Braves organization has done for their community.
I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee as a boy, and attended the Watonka Indian Dance Society in Buffalo on Friday nights. It was alright. Then I discovered my own Jewish heritage and Friday nights were out. Glad to see that the Cherokee, at least, are making out ok.