Cherokee Nation was the first tribe to adopt a written
language, and the impact the syllabary has had on our people and the
advancements of our tribe continue still today. Sequoyah, also known as George
Gist, gave us one of the most significant gifts in our history. Sequoyah’s
invention of the syllabary had an immeasurable impact on us as a tribe.
Recently, Cherokee Nation finalized the purchase of
Sequoyah’s Cabin, near Sallisaw, from the state. We are so proud to assume
ownership and management of the historical site and have the opportunity to
give it the respect and reverence it deserves.
It’s unimaginable that sites, like Abraham Lincoln’s
birthplace, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, would
be operated by anyone other than the United States government. Likewise, it is
only fitting that Sequoyah’s Cabin site, which is a vital part of our story, would
be operated by the Cherokee Nation.
In our tribe’s long and unique history, Sequoyah made an
everlasting impact and truly changed the way our people communicate, share
ideas and preserve history. He was a genius who advanced the Cherokee Nation
and our rich culture. Sequoyah is one of our most well-known statesmen and
historical figures, and his contributions to the Cherokee Nation are
immeasurable. The Cherokee syllabary is the single most important contributor
to the advancement of the Cherokee people and Cherokee society.
He reshaped the future of Cherokees and all Native people,
not just seven generations but infinite generations.
Cherokee Nation Chief of Staff Chuck Hoskin, in his role as
a state legislator, singlehandedly led the effort to secure Sequoyah’s Cabin
for our people. We are so fortunate that his strong relationship with the
Oklahoma Historical Society and its executive director, Dr. Bob Blackburn,
helped pave the way for our purchase of this important piece of our history.
We commend the state for being such good stewards of the 200-acre
site and former home, and now it is time for Cherokee Nation to lead the
preservation effort. Our relationship with Dr. Blackburn and the state’s historical
society is a true partnership and will allow this project to advance for the
benefit of the Cherokee Nation, the state of Oklahoma and the thousands of
tourists that visit this historic site each year. Yes, it is unfortunate that
after 80 years the state no longer has the resources to manage and maintain the
property. But that’s where our tribal government can step in and ensure the
preservation meets the highest standards. Together, we will guarantee this beautiful
and historic site thrives and continues operation forever.
It is a historic achievement to add this land and site back
into the tribe’s land base and bring Sequoyah’s home back to the Cherokee
Nation and place it under our cultural protection. Our operation of the cabin
and the surrounding land will enable us, as Cherokees, to tell the story of
Sequoyah through a uniquely Cherokee perspective. We will be able to do it in
our own words and in our own language, which Sequoyah helped advance.
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| Signing the certificate of transfer with Dr. Bob Blackburn. |
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