At a time when we would hope that as a people regardless of our tribal affiliation, we would and can come together to face the serious issues before us, the old arguments continues, especially it seems, when it comes to the Tsalagi.

I am proud of who I am - yes, I am of mixed blood. But I am Cherokee. I don't have a card to prove that to you-but does a "card" make you Cherokee, or for that matter, does it mean that if you are not "carded" you are not? I don't think so. I have never believed that. So many people are so embroiled in arguments over who is more Indian than not - what terms are correct to use - Native American - American Indian - Indigenous -and such anger is often shown and disdain, by some who claim they are "real" and you are not.

I have long since realized that with some of these so-called "real" Indians it doesn't matter what is said about this subject, they will continue to exhibit what can only be referred to as racism. Yes, racism does exist, even among native peoples.

I find this sad. But for saying so, some of the "real" Indians would undoubtly call me a twinkie. It's a name I've been called many times before. It amazes me how some people seem to spend so much time trying to prove others are wrong or to discredit other people, or spend hours upon hours, seeking out web sites people have made, and more often than not, it seems, we, the Tsalagi are singled out. I guess it must be because we are proud strong people. We have survived despite overwhelming odds. We will always be here. And no matter what anyone says, nothing can change the fact, that I am Tsalagi.

I happened across a very interesting article, which I am providing here, for you to read. It will never change the minds of those who call themselves the "real Indians" but I know, without doubt, those of you who truly understand and walk the good road, will find, pride in knowing, we don't need a card or anyone's acceptance or approval of us. We are who we are. Proud, free, and strong - and Cherokee.

From The Cherokee Observer, Vol 4, No 4 - April 1996

PART Cherokee?

Guest Editorial by Jason Terrell [Cherokee Nation Member]

I couldn't believe my eyes. The line on the screen said "Sequoyah, the part-Cherokee silversmith..."

I went back to my friend, the editor, and said, "Hey, this story looks OK, except for this part about Sequoyah being 'part-Cherokee'." "Well, he was, wasn't he?" my friend responded. "No", I said.

"His father was a white man, right? That means he had some white blood in him," she added. "That's not the point," I said. "He was Cherokee in every sense of the term. Whether he had a white parent or relative is immaterial...and besides, he didn't even know his father!"

She stared at me blankly and I threw up my hands. Try as I might, I just couldn't make her understand that the term 'part-Cherokee' doesn't mean anything. I even told her that if she used that word back home, the elders would laugh and ask, "So, what part of you is Cherokee? Your nose?"

But, hey, what did I expect. How do you explain to someone that there's no half-way point being Cherokee? You either are or you aren't. It's not a question of how many Europeans vs. how many Cherokees one has in the ole' family tree. Most all of us can play that game.

It's not even a question of where you live. It IS a question of loyalty. You either have a loyalty to our people, or you don't. It IS a question of commitment. That means getting involved and not letting self-interested individuals take the people for a ride while you sit by. It means that no matter where you go, you come home to family and friends and you want to make a difference. Its the way you live and the way your family has lived. It's knowing who your relations are and where you fit into our society.

You can't suddenly "become" Cherokee. It's not a club with a membership card and dues. It's something you're born with and if you really are Cherokee, it's something you can't ignore.

My editor friend and I argued back and forth for a while with little movement on either side. Finally, we settled on the word 'mixed-blood' and went back to our respective corners.

I really thought she'd understand what I was trying to say. I guess that's what I get for being "part-white".

From The Cherokee Observer, Vol 4, No 4 - April 1996

Guest Editorial by Jason Terrell [Cherokee Nation Member]

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