Chattanooga Celebrates Generous Donations from Cherokee Nation
Chattanooga, nestled in the scenic hills of Tennessee, recently played host to a series of vibrant tribal events as the Cherokee Nation made its way back to Oklahoma. The atmosphere was filled with celebration and gratitude as the Nation announced nearly $100,000 in donations to **Trail of Tears associations** across the nine states the historical trail traversed almost 190 years ago. This heartfelt gesture aims to honor the legacy of the Cherokee people and preserve their rich history.
Supporting the Trail of Tears Legacy
In total, state associations in **Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri**, and **Oklahoma** received generous donations of $10,000 each. Additionally, the national association was awarded a significant $25,000 donation. **Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.** was the keynote speaker at the **27th Annual National Trail of Tears Association Conference and Symposium**, held from October 14 to 16 in Chattanooga. This year’s conference also marked the **20th anniversary** of the national archaeological district on **Moccasin Bend**.
The conference was filled with enriching field trips and events that brought together people who share a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the history of the **Trail of Tears**. “The Trail of Tears Association holds such a close place in my heart and the hearts of the Cherokee people,” Chief Hoskin shared in a heartfelt statement. “It’s important to support the protection of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and the national association and each of the nine state chapters have a crucial role in that mission.”
A Surprising Gift for State Associations
One of the most touching moments came when **Laura Spann**, president of the association’s **Tennessee chapter**, expressed her shock and gratitude. “This is the first time our state chapters have received donations,” she wrote in an email. The Tennessee chapter has faced ongoing challenges in promoting awareness about the **Trail of Tears legacy**, a heartbreaking chapter in American history where over 1,300 miles of trails traversed through the state.
Spann shared that the generous donation will be put to good use. “We’re planning to install wayside exhibits along the Trail of Tears routes in Tennessee,” she explained, adding that the exhibits will include QR codes, linking visitors to more information through their smartphones. This way, they can learn about the history right where it happened! As interest in the Trail of Tears continues to grow, so does the need for updated interpretive public exhibits.
Bringing History Home
Growing up in **Calhoun, Tennessee**, Spann now works from the **Hiwassee River Heritage Center** in nearby **Charleston**. Interestingly, she recently discovered that the land her family has owned for generations is part of the route the Cherokee traveled during their forced removal. “Those Cherokees walked right through the property where the house is that I grew up in,” she said. “Every day I drive up that driveway, I think about them walking through there.”
Preserving a Painful Past
The **Trail of Tears National Historic Trail**, designated by Congress in 1987, commemorates the harrowing journey the Cherokee people endured in the late 1830s. After the U.S. government implemented its tragic Indian Removal Policy, thousands were forcibly relocated from their homelands in the Southeast to present-day Oklahoma. The association collaborates with the **National Park Service** to safeguard the trail’s resources and educate the public about its impact on Native peoples.
Looking Ahead
As the Tennessee chapter moves forward, Spann emphasized the importance of educating the current generation about this painful history. The donations provide a much-needed boost to their enhancement projects and public education efforts. “Every chapter will have different priorities,” said **Troy Wayne Poteete**, the national association director. “Some will use the funds for digital content, while others may invest in printed materials, website enhancements, or interpretative materials for use along the trail.”
This spirit of collaboration and support reflects a powerful commitment to ensuring that the stories of the past don’t fade away. With the Cherokee Nation’s generous contributions, the Trail of Tears associations are one step closer to preserving and honoring the legacy of the Cherokee people for generations to come.
