Articles & FAQs

The Cherokee Nation History Course
by Christina Berry

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to take the Cherokee Nation History Course. The class was, for lack of a better word, awesome.

A requirement for all Cherokee Nation employees, the class normally takes one week (40 hours) to complete. The class I attended was only the second session offered to Cherokees living outside the Cherokee Nation -- but it definitely won't be the last. For us outlanders the class is smushed into 32 information packed hours over two weekends. The class I took was in Dallas (actually Plano, but close enough). The course was taught masterfully by Dr. Julia Coates, Staff Development Officer for the Cherokee Nation, who clearly has a deep understanding of Cherokee history and culture and a strong interest in sharing this understanding with other Cherokees.

As you can well imagine, the class covers some very difficult and saddening events in the history of the Cherokee people. It can be overwhelming and emotional. It was actually the making of a terrific bonding experience for the class. Julia is very interested in discussion and answering any questions so by the end of the course the class felt less like a room full of strangers and more like a family, a very large family.

On the final day of class we were treated to a wonderful suprise when Principal Chief Chad Smith joined us and taught sections of the class related to current events.

This was a truly wonderful experience. I recommend the course to anyone interested in learning more about Cherokee history. In addition to the cultural knowledge and pride you will no doubt take home, all participants of the course also get a 1,000 page text, compiled by Principal Chief Chad Smith, and a certificate of completion.

The course has now been on the road twice (Sacramento and Dallas) but Julia tells me that this is something they want to continue doing. If you'd like to find out if the course is scheduled in your neck of the woods, or if you'd like information about how to get the course to come to your city you can contact Julia Coates at 1-800-256-0671, Ext. 2389.

Related Links

• Cherokee Nation