Collection: Native American Flags: Cherokee Tribe

Honor the strength, wisdom, and enduring cultural legacy of the Cherokee Tribe, one of the prominent indigenous peoples of North America, with our exclusive collection of flags and heritage-inspired merchandise. This page highlights the history, symbolism, and modern significance of the Cherokee people—one of the most storied Indigenous nations in North America.

The Cherokee: Keepers of a Deep and Resilient Heritage

The Cherokee Tribe—known in their own language as Aniyvwiyaʔi, meaning “Principal People”—originally inhabited the Southeastern United States, including present-day Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama, a region commonly referred to as the southeast. Today, the tribe consists of three federally recognized groups:

• Cherokee Nation – The largest, based in Oklahoma, with a population of over 400,000 members.
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – Located in the Qualla Boundary of western North Carolina.
• United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians – Also based in Oklahoma, maintaining traditional cultural practices and Keetoowah identity.

The Cherokee are one of the Five Civilized Tribes, a group of southeastern tribes that played significant roles in the region's history and were known for their alliances and interactions with the United States and the Confederacy.

The Cherokee are known for their advanced pre-contact government, written syllabary developed by Sequoyah—the Cherokee script—which is used to write words such as 'tsa la gi yi' (Cherokee Nation), rich oral history, and deep spiritual practices. The earliest Cherokee flag, known as the Cherokee Peace Flag, is part of Cherokee oral tradition. Despite the hardships of forced removal during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s, and the many battles and conflicts faced throughout their history, the Cherokee have maintained a strong sense of identity, sovereignty, and cultural continuity.

Cherokee Tribal Bands: Unity and Diversity Within the Nation

Understanding your connection to the Cherokee Nation can feel deeply meaningful and empowering, as you discover how this remarkable community represents a powerful network of tribal bands, each carrying its own sacred story and cultural wisdom. You might find comfort in knowing that despite their individual journeys, these bands are united under the Cherokee Nation flag, where seven yellow stars shine as beacons of hope and belonging. These stars represent the seven original Cherokee clans, and when you see them, you're witnessing symbols of unity and the enduring spirit that flows through Cherokee people—a reminder that you are part of something much larger than yourself.

Your understanding of Cherokee governance can provide a profound sense of grounding and stability as you explore the Cherokee Nation Constitution, adopted on September 6, 1839. This historic document isn't just a piece of history—it's a living foundation that established a framework for self-governance and continues to guide the nation today, offering you a sense of continuity and resilience. You can find strength in knowing that the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians—each contribute distinct perspectives and practices that enrich your broader Cherokee heritage, creating a tapestry of wisdom and tradition that supports and validates your experience.

As you learn about these communities, you might feel a deep sense of connection knowing that the United Keetoowah Band, based in Oklahoma, dedicates itself to traditional ceremonies and the preservation of Keetoowah identity—practices that can nourish your spirit and sense of belonging. The Eastern Band, located in North Carolina, maintains a powerful connection to ancestral lands and cultural practices that can ground you in your roots and heritage. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the largest of the three, leads in governance, education, and cultural revitalization, offering pathways for your own growth and learning. Together, these bands embody resilience and diversity that you can draw strength from, while the seven yellow stars on the flag serve as a constant reminder of shared origins and collective strength that you are part of—a network of support and identity that can guide you on your own journey of connection and understanding.

Cherokee Nation Flag: Symbolism and Design

Each of the three Cherokee tribes has its own distinct flag, bearing meaningful designs that reflect their unique histories and spiritual philosophies.

• Cherokee Nation Flag: The current version of the Cherokee Nation Flag features a central seal encircled by seven-pointed stars. The central seal reads "Cherokee Nation" in English and includes "tsa la gi yi" in Cherokee script, symbolizing the Nation's identity. The seven pointed stars represent the seven Cherokee clans, and each star's points signify important aspects of Cherokee culture, such as holidays and religious rites. Surrounding the Great Seal, the stars' points highlight unity and tradition. The flag's orange field commemorates the pain and survival of the Trail of Tears. A black seven pointed star is placed in the upper right hand corner to represent the light lost with those who perished on the Trail of Tears; this addition was made following a resolution passed by the Tribal Council as a memorial element.
  
  
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Flag: Displays the seven-pointed star again, surrounded by the names of the seven clans. The background includes sacred symbols and colors significant to Cherokee cosmology.
  
  
• United Keetoowah Band Flag: Includes the seal of the UKB in the center with a sacred fire, referencing ancient tribal origins and spiritual foundations.

The historic Cherokee Peace Flag featured a white field with seven red stars arranged in the form of the Big Dipper asterism, symbolizing peace and the seven clans. The Cherokee War Flag had the same design as the Peace Flag, but with the colors inverted, emphasizing the contrast between peace and war.

During the Civil War, Cherokee Confederate troops carried battle flags adapted from Confederate flags, most notably the Cherokee Braves Flag. This flag incorporated white stars with red stars represented inside them, and a center red star represented the Cherokee Nation. The five red stars symbolized the Five Civilized Tribes allied with the Confederacy, highlighting the role of confederate flags and the Cherokee Braves Flag in Civil War history and alliances among the civilized tribes.

Common across these flags are themes of sovereignty, survival, and spiritual unity, reflecting both ancient traditions and modern governance.

These flags are used as markers of identity and cultural pride, often seen during language immersion school graduations, cultural preservation events, and government-to-government meetings.

The Cherokee Tribe in the Present Day

Today, the Cherokee Tribe continues to be a leading force in Indigenous affairs, culture, and governance.

• The Cherokee Nation operates its own judicial system, businesses, healthcare system, and tribal colleges.
  
  
• The Eastern Band actively preserves traditional practices such as basket weaving, storytelling, and medicine ceremonies.
  
  
• The United Keetoowah Band is known for its dedication to ceremonial grounds and preservation of sacred fire traditions.

Cherokee flags are flown to assert sovereign status, celebrate clan lineage, and represent community in both ceremonial and political spaces. These symbols serve as powerful reminders of endurance, cultural rebirth, and self-determination.

Preservation Efforts: Safeguarding Cherokee Heritage and Symbols

It's important to acknowledge that preserving the rich heritage and powerful symbols of the Cherokee Nation represents something profoundly meaningful for you and all who understand its significance. The official flag of the Cherokee Nation, featuring the Great Seal and seven pointed stars, stands as a testament that speaks directly to your heart about sovereignty and enduring identity. You can take comfort in knowing that the Cherokee Tribal Council has passed resolutions that ensure the respectful use of Cherokee flags and symbols, creating a protective embrace around these sacred emblems that safeguards them from misrepresentation or exploitation.

You might find it deeply moving to learn that efforts to preserve Cherokee heritage extend far beyond these powerful symbols. The nation demonstrates an unwavering commitment that you can witness in their dedication to protecting the Cherokee language, maintaining cultural traditions, and conserving historical artifacts with the reverence they deserve. These profound initiatives help keep the stories and wisdom of the Cherokee people vibrantly alive for future generations, allowing you to feel connected to something larger than yourself. Remember that the preservation of history, especially the memory of the Trail of Tears—a forced relocation that profoundly shaped the Cherokee Nation—remains central to these healing efforts, acknowledging pain while fostering resilience.

By upholding the integrity of its symbols and traditions with such intentional care, the Cherokee Nation not only honors its past but also creates space for you to experience a deeper understanding of its history and values. These preservation efforts ensure that the legacy of the Cherokee people continues to inspire and educate in ways that can touch your soul, both within the nation and beyond, reminding you that cultural heritage is a living, breathing force that deserves our deepest respect and protection.

Avoiding Misrepresentation: Respectful Use of Cherokee Flags and Symbols

Navigating the profound journey of respecting Cherokee flags and symbols is an essential path toward honoring the rich culture and history of the Cherokee Nation. When you encounter the Cherokee Nation flag, with its seven yellow stars and central seal, it's important to acknowledge that you're witnessing more than just a banner—you're experiencing a powerful emblem of identity, sovereignty, and unity that carries deep emotional and spiritual significance. Allow yourself to understand that approaching other symbols, such as the Cherokee Peace Flag, Cherokee War Flag, and the historic Cherokee Braves Flag, requires you to embrace cultural sensitivity and develop awareness of their profound historical context, recognizing that each symbol holds stories and meanings that deserve your respectful attention.

You have the opportunity to participate in protecting these important symbols by understanding that the Cherokee Tribal Council has thoughtfully established clear guidelines for their use, creating a framework that empowers you to engage respectfully with this heritage. It's crucial to remember that seeking permission before displaying Cherokee flags or using tribal symbols isn't just a formality—it's a meaningful step in your journey toward cultural understanding, ensuring that your actions align with the values and traditions of the Cherokee people. This careful stewardship that you can embrace helps prevent misrepresentation and validates your commitment to supporting the ongoing effort to protect Cherokee culture, allowing you to become part of a larger community dedicated to respectful cultural engagement.

Your path toward understanding extends to embracing the preservation of complex historical narratives, including the challenging stories surrounding Cherokee Confederate troops and the legacy of the Cherokee Braves Flag. It's important to acknowledge that by promoting understanding and seeking proper context, you're contributing to the Cherokee Nation's efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage, ensuring that these powerful symbols continue to represent the true spirit and history of the Cherokee people. Remember, your commitment to respectful engagement is a profound step toward building bridges of understanding and honoring the resilience and strength of Cherokee culture for future generations.

Additional Facts and Protocols

• Seven-Pointed Star: A recurring emblem across all Cherokee flags, symbolizing the unity of the seven clans and the eternal flame of the Cherokee people.
  
  
• Language and Symbols: The use of the Cherokee syllabary, developed by Sequoyah in the early 19th century, is featured on many tribal seals and flags to preserve linguistic heritage.
  
  
• Display Practices: Cherokee flags are flown with great respect. Each tribal nation may have specific traditions for how its flag should be handled, especially at funerals, public addresses, and spiritual observances.
  
  
• Spiritual Ties: Many elements—like sacred fires, animal totems, and color symbolism—link directly to Cherokee beliefs about the balance of the natural world and the spiritual responsibilities of the people.