Colonists v. Native Americans

In the early 1800s, tensions between the white colonist and Native Americans began to rise due to the colonist's interest of obtaining more land for economic prosperity. This game specifically focuses on the impact that America's expansion towards the West had on the Cherokee nation. [[Start your journey]]

The year is 1830. You're part of a Cherokee tribe located in the woodlands of Southwestern North Carolina. During a typical day at the village, there were individuals who were in charge of hunting, harvesting good, caring for the young and much more. Every individual from the tribe had specific responsibilies to uphold. Which of the following individual's perspective do you wish to continue this journey with and learn more about their role in the tribe? [[Women]] [[Men]] [[Young Adults]]

As a woman in the Cherokee Tribe, you are responsible for putting food on the table by gathering and cultivating foods like corn and squash. Along with gathering foods, you make baskets and clothing, as well as other needed objects for the family. Other household duties include taking care for the children and keeping the fires burning during the winter. [[Continue ->Woman cont.]]

Men of higher status reported to the National Committee to assume roles of captain, lieutenant and multiple privates to maintain domestic peace in their clans. Other than taking on a role in the National Committee. Men came home to help women tend to the crops and show their sons the ways of hunting and the order of life. You had a busy morning, and you have finished all your duties. You finished hunting for small cattle, and you've brought in more crops for the family. You even walked around the village to ensure that fencing is secure. Now, its time to relax and [[watch stickball]]!! https://www.loc.gov/law/help/american-indian-consts/PDF/28014184.pdf

In the tribe, you are responsible for hunting out in the land, searching for wild food that includes deers, rabbits and other critters. Other times, you are helping your mother tend to the crops or learning from your father about new laws and order in the tribe that was established by the National Commitee. On your free time, you [[play stick ball]] with other members of the tribe. Make sure you win, so you don't disgrace your family.

During your free time, you join other members of the tribe in playing stickball. A traditional game played by the cherokees. First, you join the team that involves most of your family or closely-related relatives. Then, you go get your two hickory sticks and enter the giant field. For hours you play by grasping the rock ball covered in animal hide and attempt to hit the wooden fish at the top of the pole that in the middle of the field. Your team might win or lose. Your fate is chosen by the letter of your last name as follows: Letters: A-K You Win --> [[You go back to your family to brag that you won ->Tell your family you won]] Letters: L-Z You Lose --> [[You go cleanse yourself in the river ->water spirit]]

Stickball is a traditional game played by the cherokees. You watch your son join their respective team and gather their equipment that includes two sticks made of hickory with a web of leather and a rock ball wrapped in animal skins. You watch your son play aggressively with the other members of the tribe. You see blood sprayed in the air and some members of the tribe laying on the floor grunting in pain. While this occurs, you over hear the whispers which includes words like native americans, white men, removal of people... You decide to either: [[continue watching the stickball and and mind your own business->Mind your own business]] OR [[listen to the possible removal of your tribe -->Read Indian Removal Act2]] OR join in a ceromony called the [[water spirit]] after the game.

You decided to stick to concerning yourself with domestic affairs and your daily life. You must now coninute your conversation at the [[National Committee]] where these problems can be resolved.

The National committe is comprised of 13 members that serve for a 2-year term. You have been chosen to be 1 of these 13 members. The National Committe established an order to the way they conduct their gatherings and resolve conflict. The first issue brought to the attention of the committe is the Otter Lifter had an exchange of horses with Mr. Thompson, who ordered his slave to take the horse to the Otter Lifter. During the transaction, the slave took the horse for his own benefit. Whose at fault? The consensus is that the slave is at fault even though he is property of Mr. Thompson. The next issue is the Indian Removal Act that was passed by the American colonists. You must [[read Indian Removal Act->Read Indian Removal Act2]] ]]. https://www.loc.gov/law/help/american-indian-consts/PDF/28014184.pdf

You now begin to involve yourself in this Indian Removal act and listen a rough translation of the Indian Removal Act document: “An Act to provide for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and for their removal west of the river Mississippi...” “..to which the Indian title has been extinguished..” “..where the land claimed and occupied by the Indians, is owned by the United States, or the United States are bound to the state within which it lies to extinguish the Indian claim thereto...” As you hit with a harsh reality of what about to occur, yoou must spend some time to decide. You have only two options; [[seek the advice from the women in the tribe->Woman have a part in the Committees]] in your decision or get help from the [[water spirit->water spirit2]].

Because women's beliefs in Cherokee tribes were valued, they had a voice in council meetings as well. They would advise men to go to war, or they would advise peace. Sometimes there would even be women who fought in battles- known as “War Women.” After consulting with the woman in the tribe and listening to their opinions, what do you decide? [[I want to stay a fight for the rights to my land ->Fight to stay on your land]] [[I do not want to cause any trouble and instead I want to follow orders to move to a new land ->Move to a new land]]

The river had great significacence in the Cherokee tribe. After a game of stickball, it was customary for individuals to go down by the river to cleanse themselves by performing various rituals in the water. The water was symbolic and was thought to cleanse their mind and free themselves from bad thoughts. Whether the individual lost or won the game of stickball, after cleansing themselves, the individual was expected to go back into the tribe with happy spirits, and hold no hard feelings against eachother [[Next->Next1]]

After hours of discussing in the council, the women advise you to fight for their land. Fighting for your land can either be done by using your words and creating a treaty with the American government or you could use violence. In attempts to remain peaceful, you decide to negociate a [[treaty->Village life continues]] when the time comes.

You have choosen that you do not want to involve yourself in the revolt against the United States government. Instead you want to comply to the orders and avoid any unnessary conflict [[next ->Are you sure you dont want to fight?]]

Cherokee children, like colonial children, went to school, had chores, and played; often, they had more chores and less time to play. As you were returning from gathering the crops for your family, your child has returned from school. He then ensures to complete his chores by helping you store the crops you gave gathered. While doing this, your son mentions that he heard rumors of the whites invading and trying to to take their land. And he asks you if this is true. You ensure him that he as nothing to worry about, and you tell him to finish the rest of the chores. [[Continue ->Involve yourself]]

Although the Cherokee Nation tried to fight for their right to stay on their land, Andrew Jackson ignored the decision and justified the removal on the Native Americans with the Treaty of Echota of 1735. This treaty was negotiated by Major Ridge and a few of Cherokees who had claimed that they represented the whole nation of the Cherokee Tribe, but actually only represented a small fraction of it. Without the consent of Chief John Ross, the chief of the Cherokee, they made a deal with the United States to give up all their land for an exchange for five million dollars. [[Continue ->Trail of tears history cont.]]

Those few of you from the tribe who have decided to move, started the journey to walk to your new homeland. It's been days. Weeks? You've lost count because your days a long. The blisters on your feet cause constant pain, but you know you have to power through. Although you may not know when you'll get there, your new home is waiting for you. You walk through the wilderness because there's no roads. You go days without drinking water, because of the lack of rivers or wells that you come across. Food is scarce. You all work together to ensure that you each get at least some water or food, enough for you to get by. This life is hard. Its not what you expected it to be. You're having second thoughts about the choose you made to leave. Do you, [[Continue walking towards your new land ->Trail]] OR [[Walk back to your village ->New life]]

As you start walking back to your house. You look around and are overwhelmed with the commotion spreading throughout the tribe. You see people panicked. You see some people crying. And you see others outtraged. Winter season is right around the corner. Your winter house, an asi, is right in front of you. You admire it. You see the fire burning inside the dome shape that is outlined with thick trunks and plastered with a mixture of grass, and tough clay. You think to yourself: "I'm going to miss this place. Am I making the right decision? Winter is slowly approching, where will I live? What's waiting for me out there?" What should I do? [[Start packing up your clothes ->No, stick to decison]], and start gathering your essential items. OR [[Join the others ->Fight to stay on your land]] who have decided to revolt and fight for our village

Although you will miss your home and the rest of your tribe that is choosing to stay and fight, you choose obey the orders of the American government. You use your best judgment, and confy that the American government will displace you in a land where you will be able to florish again. Especially, since the American government promised to give you money, livestock, and rights in the new land that you are heading too. So you start packing up your belongings, pack up as much food as you can. [[Continue ->Eventually make it to trail of tears]]

A year passes and so far staying behind in your land has been rewarding. Although your village size is much smaller now, daily life in the village is still ongoing. Your land is still yours and you have not encounter any of these White Americans who want to take your land. Your life is blessed and you're starting to think maybe this law won't be enforced. [[Continue ->Georgia VS Cherokee introduced]]

You decide to keep calm fight one battle at at time. First, you decide to address the state of Georgia issue and you do so by going through the legal route. You and your fellow leader, John Ross takes this to the Supreme Court to order Georgia to stop moving foward with its laws regarding the removal of your Cherokee tribe. However, even though you tried to have your voice hear peacefully, the Supreme Court court did not hear your cause out because of legal matters. You eventually make your way back to the village to relay the ufortunate news that your village. You advise them that you will in fact get removed by the state. [[Continue->Eventually make it to trail of tears2]]

Every angle that you turn, you see families who are in exhausted. You see a mother with a young child wrapped around her back while she's holding onto her other two children. Her husband is in the front of the pack along with other men and woman who are cutting down tree to make way through the land. [[Next ->Senario 1]]

Eventually, you you end up making it to Oklahoma with your family and a few of your tribes member. Everyone is sitting in a circle and 3 mens start finding wood to build a fire and build shelter. You and others start discussing the plans for the future. Whether to stay here for good or move to somewhere else. You take a moment a reflect on the journey you've had. You look around and see the exhuastion and terror in everyones eyes. You're thankful to have made it as far as you did. Despite losing everything you own, your hopeful that your new life will treat you well. ........... [[Continue-> Ending Remarks]]

In hopes of cleansing your competitive side from the angry thoughts of losing the stickball game, you go into the river. You submerge yourself once. You came back up for air, and the cold wind brushes against your shoulder and it feels relaxing. You submerge yourself five more times and before the final one, you take it all in. You reflect on the beautiful day and how greatful you are to have everything you do. Before the final submerge, you ask the gods completely free you of bad thoughts so you can go back into the tribe with good spirits. [[Head back to the tribe]]

Once you head back into the tribe you see a crowd of people gathering around and you head over to see what the commotion is about. [[Continue ->Read Indian Removal Act2]]

As you ponder about the decision you want to make, you remember hearing stories from the elders about how powerful and mystical the river can be. The river has great significance in your tribe, because of its diverse use. It has brought forth good fortune to the village by providing food, transportation, medicine, cleansing and much more. The body of water is considered to be sacred, so everyone follows certain taboos that display their respect for it. The water is kept uncontaminated from any trash, spit, pee or any other waste that ruins its purity. In hopes of finding the answers you are looking for, you go into the river and submerge yourself seven times. You ask the gods to aid you in making a decision. After the ritual, will you, [[choose to fight for your right to stay on your land ->Village life continues]] or [[choose to obey orders and move to a new homeland ->Move to a new land]]

Many tribes, including the Cherokee tribes were displaced to the Indian territory which is now Oklahoma. During this time, many Native Americans experienced many racial injustice and suffered tremendously. [[Continue ->Relocation]]

Although the Supreme Court decided that they were not going to defend your right to the land, you decide to stay put. You and the other villagers were determined to stay in your land. .... Meanwhile daily life continues in your tribe.. In another Cherokee tribe there is an individual named Major Ridge and a few of Cherokees who had claimed that they represented the whole nation of the Cherokee Tribe, but actually only represented a small fraction of it. Without the consent of Chief John Ross, the chief of the Cherokee, they made a deal with the United States to give up all the Cherokee land for an exchange for five million dollars. Andrew Jackson justified the removal of the Native Americans with the Treaty of Echota of 1735, and began with the [[Continue ->Trail of tears history cont.2]]

The woman that you saw next to you with the three children, you see the mother struggling to keep her children calm. The little one behind her back is crying uncontrollably. You go over to see if there is anything you can do. She tells you that her children haven't eaten in days, and she's terrified that they might pass from starvation. You look over to your wagon and remember that you have spare potatoes that you've been saving for when the hunger got unbearable. What do you do? [[Give your last piece of food to the family]]. OR [[Confort the mom]] and tell her that the tribe will come to a food source soon.

As days go by, you still do not come across any food or water sources. Unfortunely, the mother who you told that food source would eventually would come, had to bury her youngest child along the trail due to starvation. The young child was not the first to be burried and rest in peace. Many of those you've been traveling with for days have unfortunately did not made it due to disease, starvation, or dehydration. Only you and a few other lukcy ones made it to the new land. ................. [[ Ending Remarks]]

Your generous decision to share the potato has spared the lives of the children. As days go buy you are hanging by a thread and the hunger has become more unbearable. Luckly, you finally reach a river where there is water and fish avaliable for you and the others. This spares you some time to proceed your exhausting journey. [[New life]]

You go back to your house to tell your family that you've won a game in stickball. Your mother congratulates you for the victory. As you're explaining the exciting win to your mother, you look out into the village and notice a group of people are gathering around. You're intrigued by the commotion and decide to [[go outside and head towards the crowd ->Read Indian Removal Act2]]

Unlike the colonizers, you shared the same rights as Cherokee men; you had power, economically and politically, and were also included in council meetings. After the settlers tried to civilize the tribes, you, as a woman, eventually lost your power as the white men didn’t see it as ideal for a women to have equal power as men. [[Continue ->Heard from child of invasion]]

As you continue to keep the house neat and ordered, you hear people whispering as they rush by your house. You look out into the village and you notice that there is a crowd. A part of you wishes that the rumors of the white wanting to invade your land are not true, but by the looks of it they might be. Regardless, you know that you must go outside and [[get involved ->Read Indian Removal Act]] so you're informed with what exacly is occuring.

You now begin to involve yourself in this Indian Removal act and listen a rough translation of the Indian Removal Act document: “An Act to provide for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and for their removal west of the river Mississippi...” “..to which the Indian title has been extinguished..” “..where the land claimed and occupied by the Indians, is owned by the United States, or the United States are bound to the state within which it lies to extinguish the Indian claim thereto...” [[Continue ->Woman have a part in the Committees2]]

Because women's beliefs in Cherokee tribes were valued, you have a voice in council meetings. You could advise men to go to war, or advise them to choose peace. You, yourself could even decide to fight in the battles and become known as a “War Women.” However, overwhelemed with the reality of the information, for now you settle to go down by the [[river ->water spirit2]] to gather your thoughts.

Your decision to fight for your land came with consequences. Although you bravely tried to stand your ground, soldiers fought back aggressively by marching their way into your village and terrorizing everyone. They rounded up you and the rest of your tribe by force. They locked you up in cages. They shouted foreign words loudly and made obscure gestures. By the looks of their faces, you could only assume they were angry. They begin to demonstrate this anger by destroying the houses, throwing debri into the river, and setting everyone's belongings on fire. ................... [[ Ending Remarks]]

The migration of Native Americans from the their homelands to the West of the Mississippi River, was given its name "trail of tears" because of the horrific events that occured. The harsh reality of this was that there were about 4,000 Native Americans who lost their lives. They died from starvation, diseases, exhaustion. Others got their villages raided by soilders and they watched their villages get torn apart. While some were spared and allowed to quickly gather their things, others were killed for not obeying order. During the trail, individuals had to make life or death decisions between helping each other out or being selfish to continue living. May those who suffered from the Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, or any other unjustified invasions rest in peace. [[Bibliography]]

Primary "A Soldier's Recollection." Trail of Tears. Accessed October 16, 2018. https://historyfairtrailoftears.weebly.com/a-soldiers- recollection.html. Bartram, William. “Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, and East and West Florida.” 1773. http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/aj/id/9150 "General Winfield Scott." Trail of Tears. Accessed October 16, 2018. https://historyfairtrailoftears.weebly.com/general-winfield-scott.html. Gleason, Auger. "Cherokee Registry." Trail of Tears Stories https://www.cherokeeregistry.com/index.phpoption=com_content&view= articled=431&Itemid=643. Jackson, Andrew. “To the Cherokee Tribe of Indians East of the Mississippi river.” 1835. Leppzer, Robbie. “Across the Americas - Indigenous perspectives.” 1992. https://csulb.kanopy.com/video/across-americas-indigenous-perspectives Lorrie Montiero. "Family Stories from the Trail of Tears (taken from the Indian-Pioneer History Collection, Grant Foreman, editor) "https://ualrexhibits.org/tribalwriters/artifacts/Family-Stories-Trail -of-Tears.html Secondary A Brief History of the Trail of Tears, http://webtest2.cherokee.org/About-The-Nation/History/Trail-of-Tears/A Brief-History-f-the-Trail-of-Tears Anders, Gary. "The Internal Colonization of Cherokee Native Americans." Development and Change 10, no. 1 (01 1979): 41-55. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467 7660.1979.tb00030.x&sa=D&ust=1539555500769000&usg=AFQjCNGi4srrrb0i0q hgSnQz6vmzXSGAA Holly, Kays. "Water a centerpiece of Cherokee Culture" https://www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/16885-cherokees-and- rivers-water-a-centerpiece-of-cherokee-culture Kelly, S. Susan. "Cherokee Stories Tell of Water's Wisdom" https://www.ourstate.com/cherokee-stories-tell-of-waters-wisdom/ Thornton, Russell. “Cherokee Population Losses during the Trail of Tears: A New Perspective and a New Estimate.” Ethnohistory 31, no. 4 (Fall 1984): 289. http://csulb.idm.oclc.org/loginurl=https://search.ebscohost.com/login. aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=7683331&site=ehost-live

But now.... Along with fighting to stop the Indian Removal Act, you also found out that the state Georgia recently passed multiple laws to take away rights from you and your whole Cherokee tribe. On top of that, they also want you to move out of your land. Man, your Cherokee tribe just can't get a break. Everyone is after your precious land. Who do these white colonizers think they are?! [[Next ->Battling Georgia and Indian Removal Act]]