June 3rd

June 3^rd

            My first impression of the Cherokee environment was there was a lot of shops that sold materials that are made by them, they take care of there land, I noticed a lot of painted bear statues on the streets. I also really like that the street signs have the name of the street in English and in Cherokee.  I think that we share some similar values such as that everyone deserves respect and that you should take care of what you have including the land and areas you live in. On the tour today the nurse educator Kayla talked about how many great grandparents and grandparents take care of the younger kids in the family because they believe that the children should grow up in there culture with there own family. I value family as well and I really find it wonderful how they provide and take care of the elderly people in the community. They have a certain school that children can go to that incorporates the Cherokee language and all about there culture. The tour guide in the Indian village also talked about how in school they learn certain skills and trade such as basket weaving, pottery and many other skills that have been passed on through generations. I think it is pretty interesting how after all this time they continue to learn and use these skills. I think the past probably influences their beliefs, the community itself and how people in the family live. Drugs have become a huge issue and this is a huge factor in these families lives. I have noticed that the community is close and loves to teach others about the community. Growing up my community was close as well all the neighborhood kids would always play together outside after school and all go to the pool together during the summer. They were always parents around to help watch over the everyone so those who’s parents couldn’t be there could still join in on all the fun.