Cherokee Make Return Visit to Colonial Capital

By Amber Lester Friday, June 04, 2010

A delegation of Cherokee people will trek to Colonial Williamsburg this weekend, as they did throughout the 18th century.

The “Return of the Cherokee” weekend will be marked by a visit from the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s Warriors of Ani Kituwha. The warriors perform traditional Cherokee dances, such as the War Dance, the Bear Dance and the Friendship dance, while sharing Cherokee history and culture. The delegation will re-enact an official visit to the colonial capital on Saturday and Sunday.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee will present a discussion of efforts to revitalize cultural traditions at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Hennage Auditorium. At 5 p.m., the Cherokee will re-enact the renewal of a bond of peace with Patrick Henry at the Capitol West Gate. Both programs are available with a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or a Good Neighbor Pass. The general public is also free to watch the Cherokee perform dances at 1:30 p.m. Saturday on the Palace Green and at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Market Square.

During the 18th century, Cherokee delegations traveled regularly to the capital as envoys of sovereign nations. In June 1777, Patrick Henry and members of the Virginia Council met with more than 40 people of the Cherokee nation “here on a negotiation of peace, which is hoped will be everlasting … promising, in future, the most inviolable friendship to this and the other United States.”

The colonists and Cherokee, including Chiefs Attakullakulla and Oconastota, discussed trade agreements, an alliance against Great Britain and a boundary dispute. On several occasions, the Cherokee would perform a public dance following the discussion.

“Return of the Cherokee” is presented as part of Colonial Williamsburg’s American Indian Initiative in partnership with the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Cherokee Historical Association. “Return of the Cherokee is a continuation of years of building relationships and cooperation between Colonial Williamsburg and the Eastern Band’s cultural partners,” said Buck Woodard, manager of the American Indian Initiative for CW’s department of public history. “Primary documentation, accounts and other evidence of nearly 20 Cherokee delegations in 18th-century Williamsburg is surprisingly plentiful and that historical record allows us to faithfully recreate these visits.”