| Chief Dragging Canoe ~Tsi'yu-gunsini~ He was a Mighty Warrior, standing proud and tall. War Chief of the Cherokee Nation, when the settlers came to call. ~ Some misunderstood, the intentions of this man. He meant no harm to others, but fought for the love of the land. ~ He saw into the future, knew our people could not survive. Without the means of hunting, the lands of the Cherokee pride. ~ The son of Attakullakulla, for seventeen years he tried. To break the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, That Dark, Bloody trail we once occupied. ~ As his resistance continued, the Dragon he was soon to be known. When in his heart all he wanted, was what we then rightfully owned. ~ Many lies he was told, such treaties may be alright. But for this Mighty Warrior, only for those to old too fight. ~ Such speeches that he spoke, an influence so strong. Young Warriors followed him, to stand where they belonged. ~ Judge him not, for his beliefs of what was right. Until you have walked his path, with the visions of Cherokee insight. ~ So before you call him Savage, look deep into his past, Then you may well understand, why Chief Dragging Canoe's memory last. This poem was written by ~Katherine~ "500 Nations" she is also a direct decendent of Dragging Canoe. She must be family! |
 |
| The Chickamauga Where now are our grandfathers, the Deleware? We had hoped the white men would not be willing to travel beyond the mountains. Now that hope is gone. They have passed the mountains, and have settled upon Cherokee land. They wish to have that usurpation sanctioned by treaty. When that is gained, the same encroaching spirit will lead them upon other land of the Cherokees. New sessions will be asked. Finally the whole country, which the Cherokess and their fathers have so long occupied, will be demanded, and the remnant of the Ani-Yunwiya, "The Real People", once so great and formidable, will be compelled to seek refuge in some distant wilderness. There they will be permitted to stay only a short while, until they again behold the advancing banners of the same greedy host. Not being able to point out any further retreat for the miserable Cherokees, the extinction of the whole race will be proclaimed. Should we not therefore run all risks, and incur all consequences, rather than submit to further laceration of our country? Such treaties may be all right for men who are too old to hunt or fight. As for me, I have my young warrious about me. We will have our lands. Dragging Canoe Sycamore Shoals March, 1775 |
| The Cherokee Dragon |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Our family has received written permission from the Smith Family to use to use this design. They have also informed me that this picture of Dragging Canoe can be purchased on parchment like paper for $25.00. (8 1/2 X 11) I am quite confident that many of you will be interested, how often do we get a chance to to acquire a picture of our ancestor! You can go to the link below to purchase your copy , or let me know and I will bring some to the reunion. Jan |
 |
 |
| Ned Christie |