The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama represents a resilient chapter in the narrative of the Cherokee people, a testament to survival and cultural preservation in the face of immense adversity. Officially recognized by the State of Alabama, the tribe’s history is deeply intertwined with the tragic events of the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in the 1830s.
This article delves into the history, culture, and ongoing efforts of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama to maintain their heritage and identity.
A Legacy of Survival: Escaping the Trail of Tears
The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama distinguishes itself through its direct connection to those Cherokee individuals and families who evaded the forced removal of the Trail of Tears. Rather than succumbing to the U.S. government’s mandate, these individuals sought refuge in the rugged terrain of the Southeast’s mountainous backwoods and secluded lowlands. Some managed to escape the initial roundups, disappearing into the landscape. Others, already on the arduous march westward, courageously deserted the column, risking capture and punishment to return to their homeland. Upon arriving in Indian Territory, others made their way back to their homelands.
These acts of defiance and determination formed the bedrock of the Echota Cherokee community in Alabama. Their survival was predicated on secrecy and adaptation, a necessity dictated by the pervasive threat of detection and forced relocation.
A Culture Hidden in Plain Sight: Assimilation and Preservation
The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama faced a formidable challenge: preserving their cultural identity while simultaneously navigating a society that sought to erase their very existence. To safeguard themselves and their families, tribal members made a conscious decision to assimilate into the dominant white culture. This involved adopting English as their primary language and refraining from teaching the Cherokee language to their children. The fear was palpable: a single word spoken in Cherokee could betray their ancestry, leading to immediate apprehension and deportation to Indian Territory, coupled with the confiscation of their property by the state.
This necessity for secrecy extended to outward appearances. Members of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama often presented themselves as "Black Dutch" or other European ethnicities to account for their darker complexions, a common trait among people who spent considerable time working outdoors. Anecdotal accounts speak of family members who diligently shielded themselves from the sun, wearing large straw hats and long sleeves even during the sweltering summer months, in an attempt to avoid further darkening their skin.
Despite the pressures to assimilate, the desire to preserve their heritage never fully extinguished. Early gatherings of the community became vital spaces for sharing fragmented memories, recounting old stories and "legends," demonstrating traditional crafts, and passing on the few remaining words and phrases of the Cherokee language. These gatherings, though infrequent and discreet, were crucial in keeping the embers of their culture alive.
Reclaiming Identity: The Birth of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama, Inc.
The late 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in Native American heritage and a growing movement for tribal recognition. For the descendants of those who had evaded the Trail of Tears, this period offered an opportunity to reclaim their identity and formally organize as a tribal entity.
A pivotal moment occurred on March 16, 1980, in Opelika, Alabama, when the name "ECHOTA" was chosen to represent the tribe. The selection of the Phoenix as the tribal symbol held profound significance, embodying the tribe’s resilience and rebirth from the ashes of their burned villages and the trauma of forced removal. The Phoenix symbolized their determination to rise again, to reclaim what had been nearly lost, and to forge a future rooted in their ancestral past.
Recognizing the need to operate within the framework of contemporary society, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama took steps to become a legally recognized entity. Corporation papers were filed, bylaws were drafted, and a mission statement was created, solidifying the tribe’s organizational structure and outlining its goals. A tribal newsletter was launched, growing from a single page to a more substantial publication, serving as a vital communication tool for connecting tribal members and disseminating information.
Achieving State Recognition: The Davis-Strong Act
The pursuit of official recognition from the State of Alabama proved to be a long and arduous process, spanning four years of tireless advocacy and negotiation. The tribe played a key role in advocating for the establishment of an Indian Affairs Commission, designed to represent the interests of all tribes within the state. This effort culminated in the passage of the Davis-Strong Act in 1984, granting state recognition to the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama and other Native American tribes in Alabama. This recognition marked a significant milestone, providing the tribe with a degree of legitimacy and access to resources that had previously been unavailable.
Cultural Revitalization: Dance, Education, and Community Building
With state recognition secured, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama embarked on a period of cultural revitalization and community building. A dance team was formed, dedicated to learning and performing traditional Cherokee dances. This endeavor required dedication and perseverance, as the knowledge of these dances had been fragmented over generations. The dance team eventually became the largest in the state, performing at numerous events across Alabama and neighboring states, sharing their culture with a wider audience. Although the original dance team eventually ceased operations due to dwindling numbers of drummers and dancers, the spirit of cultural expression remained strong.
The tribe also prioritized education, implementing six Indian Education Programs across North Alabama, aimed at promoting awareness of Cherokee history and culture within local communities. Tribal members also began to engage in the political arena, with one member being elected to the State Legislature and another serving as State Auditor, further amplifying the tribe’s voice and influence within the state.
Land Acquisition and Future Aspirations
In 1990, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama acquired nineteen acres of land in St. Clair County, a significant step towards establishing a permanent presence and developing tribal resources. Later, the tribe purchased fifty acres in Cullman County. In 2002, they received a generous gift of ten acres on Smith Lake. These land acquisitions represent a tangible investment in the tribe’s future, providing opportunities for economic development and cultural preservation.
The tribe’s vision for the future includes the construction of a Cultural Center on the fifty-acre site in Cullman County. This center is envisioned as a multifaceted facility, encompassing a museum, library, gift shop, meeting rooms, kitchen, a vault for storing artifacts, and a Tribal Office Complex. The tribe also envisions the possibility of developing a campground, bathhouses, refreshment stand, and festival grounds on the property, creating a space for tribal members and the public to gather, learn, and celebrate Cherokee culture. Furthermore, the tribe hopes to engage in agribusiness ventures, generating income and providing employment opportunities for tribal members.
Enduring Legacy: A Testament to Cherokee Resilience
The story of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama is a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Cherokee people. Despite facing immense challenges, including forced removal, cultural suppression, and the constant threat of assimilation, the descendants of those who evaded the Trail of Tears have persevered, reclaiming their identity and working to preserve their cultural heritage.
From the earliest encounters with European explorers in the 1500s, the Cherokee have been recognized as one of the most advanced Native American tribes. Their sophisticated system of government, complex social structures, and remarkable intellectual achievements, including the development of their own syllabary, set them apart. It was this inherent strength and adaptability that enabled the remnants of those left behind to endure and maintain their culture, even in secrecy.
Today, the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama continues to thrive, holding Pow Wows and Festivals to share their culture with the public, encouraging new generations of dancers to participate in traditional ceremonies, and fostering a strong sense of community among its members.
The tribe is organized into seven Clans, each with its own unique agenda and activities. The Governing Body consists of a Principal Chief, a Tribal Chairman, a Recording Secretary, a Membership Secretary, a Records Keeper, a Treasurer, and a six-member Tribal Council.
The opening of a tribal office on land in Falkville, Alabama, represents a significant step forward, providing a permanent address and alleviating the burden on the many volunteers who have dedicated years of service to the tribe.
The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama stands as a living embodiment of Cherokee resilience, a vibrant community committed to preserving its heritage and building a brighter future for generations to come.