Are the Cherokee an Independent Nation?

Watch Episode

See TV Schedule

Are the Cherokee an Independent Nation? American Experience

Premiered April 26, 2009

Are the Cherokee an Independent Nation?

In 1832 the United States Supreme Court recognized Cherokee sovereignity.

More Ways to Watch

See TV Schedule

Episode Extras

Harry Oosahwee discusses the importance of using the Cherokee language in Trail of Tears.

Watch (01:22)

Clip

We Shall Remain: Cherokee Language

White Americans offered Native Americans equality -- if they became more like them.

Watch (01:42)

Clip

"Civilization" and Native Americans

In 1832 the United States Supreme Court recognized Cherokee sovereignity.

Watch (01:22)

Clip

Are the Cherokee an Independent Nation?

Sequoyah invented a written language for the Cherokee.

Watch (01:17)

Clip

Creating a Written Alphabet for the Cherokee

In May 1838 the United States began removing Cherokee from their homes in Georgia.

Watch (01:00)

Clip

Evacuating the Cherokee People

President Andrew Jackson supported moving Native Americans west of the Mississippi.

Watch (01:19)

Clip

President Jackson and the Indian Removal Bill

The effects of 1830s policies on Native Americans are still felt today.

Watch (00:41)

Clip

The Consequences of the Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears march caused the death of more than 4,000 Cherokee people.

Watch (01:01)

Clip

What Was the Trail of Tears?

The 1836 treaty of New Echota required the Cherokee to move out west.

Watch (00:59)

Clip

Will the Cherokee Be Exiled?

All Episodes

American Experience: Season 21

The Kennedys: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (2:48:53)

The Kennedys

We Shall Remain: Wounded Knee, Pt. 5 of 5: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (01:49)

We Shall Remain: Wounded Knee, Pt. 5 of 5

We Shall Remain: Geronimo, Pt. 4 of 5: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (01:10)

We Shall Remain: Geronimo, Pt. 4 of 5

We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears Pt. 3 of 5: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (01:42)

We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears Pt. 3 of 5

We Shall Remain: Tecumseh's Vision, Pt. 2 of 5: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (00:30)

We Shall Remain: Tecumseh's Vision, Pt. 2 of 5

We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower, Pt. 1 of 5: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (00:40)

We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower, Pt. 1 of 5

About the Program

American Experience

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

Connect with American Experience

Program Specials & Extras

The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

Watch (53:02)

Special

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act [ASL]

The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

Watch (1:00:42)

Special

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act [Extended Audio Description]

Learn about the beginning of the environmental justice movement.

Watch (04:33)

Clip

Earthkeeping: Toxic Racism