For Cherokee Nation citizens, few things are more important
than preserving who we are as a tribe and sharing our story with others. A new
exhibit hosted by the Gilcrease Museum, called “After Removal: Rebuilding the
Cherokee Nation,” tells the story of the Cherokee Nation from forced removal,
also known as the Trail of Tears, to the tribe’s settlement in Tahlequah and
the formation of a new government in Indian Territory. The time span of the
exhibition illustrates not only an important time in the history of the
Cherokee people, but also an important moment in the history of the eventual
state of Oklahoma.
This exhibit is not a summary of our past, but rather a
reminder of how far we as a people have come and the strength and perseverance
it took to do so. It features more than 100 items of original artwork and
artifacts that illustrate the most pivotal moments in Cherokee history, from
forced removal of our people to the rebuilding of our great tribal nation. The
museum’s narrative is compelling for any Cherokee Nation citizen or advocate of
United States history.
From the “After Removal: Rebuilding the Cherokee Nation”
exhibit:
In the 1830s, after a hard legal
and political battle, the Cherokee people were forced to give up their
ancestral homeland in the south Appalachians and establish new homes in Indian
Territory, now Oklahoma. The forced removal resulted in considerable hardship
and suffering for those who made the journey and then faced the daunting
challenge of creating life anew in an unfamiliar land. John Ross was the
Principal Chief from 1828 to 1866 and led his nation through this traumatic
event. This exhibition tells a story of Cherokee Nation’s loss and rebuilding
in the 19th century through the stark contrasts of the human experience –
discord and harmony, war and peace, success and failure – and, in the end, the
creation of a solid foundation for the future of the Cherokee people.
The Gilcrease Museum has repeatedly proven to be a great partner to the Cherokee Nation, and together we have created an exhibit that highlights some of the most significant documents and artifacts in the rich history of our people. Together we made a steadfast commitment to create an exhibit with a narrative that is authentic, accurate and appropriate.
The exhibit in Tulsa runs through January 2018.
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