Cherokee Tribe and Navajo Tribe 3rd Grade Native Americans Cherokee Tribe and Navajo Tribe 3rd Grade

Location Cherokee (Southeast) Navajo (Southwest)

Where did they live? Cherokee Navajo They left the southwest in search of home. They settled in the Great Plains but were not welcomed by the Iroquois tribe. The Cherokee moved on and settled in North Carolina where wildlife and fertile valleys were plentiful. Over a long period of time, the Cherokee Nation grew and covered 8 states. Alabama was one of them. Navajo The Navajo lived in the southwestern part of the United States. Many still live there today. Their land of deserts and mountains covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Land and nature are very sacred to them.

What did they eat? Cherokee- they were farmers, hunters and gatherers. They grew squash, beans, sunflowers, pumpkins, and corn. Corn was the most important food. The women planted enough crops to provide food for 2 years. Navajo- they were also farmers, hunters, and gatherers. They tended sheep and planted corn. The sheep provided wool and food. They also grew squash, beans, sunflowers, and pumpkins. Corn was very important to them too.

How did they live? Cherokee Navajo Had 2 houses. A winter round home made of wood and covered with mud to keep heat in and a summer rectangle home made of bark covered with long grass to let cool air through. Navajo They also had 2 homes. One in the desert and one in the mountains incase of flash floods. The Navajo called their homes Hogans. Hogans were made of wooden poles and covered with tree bark and mud.

Roles of Men and Women Cherokee Navajo Men- they hunted and fished. They would cut down trees to clear land for planting. Women- were the farmers. They also owned their homes. Women were also warriors. Navajo Men-hunted and fished as well. They lived with their wives and her family. Women- They owned their homes. Property was passed on from mother to daughter.

Arts and Crafts Cherokee Navajo Are known for their art. They made clay pots, pipes, canoes, masks, rattles, clothing, baskets, and beads. The rattles scared away evil spirits. Navajo Are famous for their silver work. They made belts, necklaces, earrings, and rings from sterling. They also made ketohs. They were guards that protected their arms from the snap of the bowstring. They also made beautiful wool blankets.

Healings Cherokee Navajo Believed in the Medicine Man for healing. They knew how to use bark and roots to cure many diseases. Navajo Believed in sand art for healing. They were made with the 2nd and 3rd finger. They believed that the sand paintings had to be destroyed before dark in order to heal the sick.

Languages Cherokee Iroquoian gitli (Dog) Navajo Dine łééchąą'í (Dog)

What was there clothes like? Cherokee Cherokee men wore breechcloths and leggings. Moccasins for shoes. Cherokee women wore wraparound skirts and poncho-style blouses. Moccasins for shoes. Navajo Navajo men wore breechcloths and leggings. Moccasins for shoes. Navajo women wore mostly one piece dresses.

Native American Children’s Literature

Trail of Tears http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-Cherokee.html In May 1838 General Winfield Scott sent troops into the Cherokee Nation to round up the Indians. The Indians were removed from their homes. They only took what food they could carry in their arms. They left their homelands traveling in 17 different groups. Some traveled by boat, wagons, and horseback but most of them had to walk. It was a terrible journey. They suffered in the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. Babies were born along the way. Often mothers and babies got lost. All the people were hungry and many were sick. Everyday children, mothers, fathers and grandparents were buried. The Cherokee called this trip “The Trail Of Tears” http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-Cherokee.html