William & Mary Students Reconnect with Cherokee Nation

News Summary

An anthropology class at the College of William & Mary has revived connections with the Cherokee Nation through a cultural immersion experience. Led by Professor Buck Woodard, students engaged in hands-on activities and learned about Cherokee history and traditions during their visit to North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.

Williamsburg, Virginia – An anthropology class at the College of William & Mary has rekindled a centuries-old relationship with the Cherokee Nation through a comprehensive cultural immersion experience. This visit, which took place in May, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Cherokee history, traditions, and contemporary issues.

Led by Buck Woodard, an assistant professor of anthropology with a significant background in Native American studies, the course was structured as a one-credit ethnographic fieldwork class. It focused on essential anthropological methods and provided students with valuable insights into archaeological practices. The practical component of the course included a visit to the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina, which was made possible through sponsorship from the Charles Center and the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

The Cherokee Nation was chosen for this immersive experience due to its sizable population and proximity, which contrasted sharply with smaller Virginia tribes. Woodard has established a lasting relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokees, having worked closely with them at the Museum of the Cherokee People and through various social networks. This connection enriched the students’ experience, ensuring that they received authentic cultural engagement.

Prior to their visit, students were educated on various aspects of Cherokee life, including their tribal governance, pre-European history, sovereignty, and current socio-political dynamics. Woodard emphasized the significance of preserving the Cherokee language—Tsalagi—by highlighting its associated language-building programs. This preservation effort underscores the tribe’s commitment to maintaining their cultural heritage.

During the trip, students had the opportunity to hear from guest lecturers, including Nancy Pheasant, a Cherokee storyteller, and Kody Grant, a public historian who provided insights into the historical relationships between the Cherokee and Virginia. The Cherokee people had established strong trade connections with South Carolina before expanding their economic interactions with Virginia around 1750. The presence of Cherokee students in Virginia, particularly at William & Mary’s Brafferton Indian School since the mid-18th century, illustrates a history of educational and social interconnections.

The students engaged with significant sites, including the tribal preservation office and Kituwah Mound, recognized as the birthplace of the Cherokee people. At the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, students participated in native craft activities like basket-making using river cane, experiencing firsthand the importance of cultural preservation and the transmission of traditions to younger generations.

Additionally, the group took part in social dances at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history museum that allows visitors to engage with traditional Cherokee life. The immersive nature of the experience included learning practical skills, such as making arrowheads, baskets, and blowguns, thus fostering a deeper appreciation for Cherokee craftsmanship and methodologies.

Throughout the visit, Woodard stressed the value of relationship-building skills by meeting individuals from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. This approach mirrors the historical journeys that Cherokees undertook to seek education and participate in diplomatic meetings in Williamsburg. Understanding these historical routes provided students with a richer context for their learning experience.

The effort to reestablish connections between William & Mary and the Cherokee Nation exemplifies the continuing commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and historical recognition. This anthropology class not only honors the historical ties of the 18th century but can also serve as a model for future educational initiatives that bridge gaps between Native American communities and academic institutions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Daily Press: WM Class Offers Students a Look at Cherokee History & Culture
• Mvskoke Media: Cherokee Nations Have No Comment on Hanson Execution
• Sun Gazette: Variety of Charges Lodged in Lycoming County District Courts
• Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home: William Kabisch Obituary
• Wikipedia: Cherokee