Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Colonial Williamsburg celebrates Cherokee Culture 6/1/16 - 6/5/16

Cherokee performing a ceremonial dance
Visit Colonial Williamsburg Virginia to experience the Cherokees Return June 1st - June 5th
In 1777, a delegation of 40 Cherokee—one of many over the years—arrived in Williamsburg to  to "treat" with Virginia's colonial government over issues of trade, peace and alliance. In the ensuing days, the Governor and Council met to offer peace and friendship to the Cherokee Great Men of Chota. Based on native concepts of reciprocity, the Cherokee returned the favor by offering the Governor and the people of Williamsburg, "A Public Dance." Join Colonial Williamsburg and the Museum of the Cherokee with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee as they perform traditional songs and dances, and interpret the culture of the period.
During the 18th century, several Cherokee delegations traveled to Williamsburg to "treat" with Virginia's colonial government over issues of trade, peace, and alliance. These negotiations kept claims and settlement of western Indian lands to a minimum.
While the delegation was in Williamsburg in 1777, the governor and Council met to offer peace and friendship to the Cherokee Great Men of Chota. Based on native concepts of reciprocity, the Cherokee returned the favor by offering the governor and the people of Williamsburg "A Public Dance." Being familiar with American Indian peoples of the Eastern Woodlands, particularly the Cherokee, the residents of Williamsburg understood the symbolic nature of these dances.

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