The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced thousands of Native Americans from their homes. Among the tribes removed was the Cherokee Nation who traveled to Oklahoma on what is now called the Trail of Tears.
As a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Dana Espinal tries to honor her history and heritage every day.
Espinal, director of capital and facilities planning in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, was born and raised in Oklahoma in Cherokee territory, and her great-great-great-great grandfather was Cherokee Chief John Ross who led the tribe on the Trail of Tears.
“I was raised to be proud of my heritage, and I’ve taught my children the same,” she said. “We know what our ancestors endured over the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma and understand the triumphs of making it to Oklahoma—the stopping place for many— and flourishing as a tribal government.”
There are many traditions Espinal said she likes to honor throughout the year.
“Depending on the time of year, these traditions could be something as simple as a prepared traditional meal, a game of stick ball or attending a stomp dance in my native land of Oklahoma,” she said. “Gathering with friends and families and sharing a meal together is the best Cherokee tradition.”
November gives the nation an opportunity to honor that same history and heritage for American Indian Heritage Month, said Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, associate director of the Multicultural Center.
“The month is a time to highlight accomplishments as well as the challenges that still exist for American Indians,” she said.
Wendell Humphrey, Perry County resident and a full-blood native Shoshone-Bannock, was born on a reservation in Idaho but was adopted at a young age, and he didn’t find his family until he was about 30 years old.
“I wasn’t raised with my heritage. Instead, I found it and raised my kids that way,” he said. “After I found my family, I went back every year for many years, and I continued to learn more about the culture and ceremonies.”
Both Humphrey and Espinal said it is important to continue with traditions and have taught their families about their heritage.
Catherine Fleming, Humphrey’s granddaughter and a junior studying psychology, said she learned about her culture by observing her grandparents holding ceremonies, singing and praying.
“I started appreciating the wisdom and knowledge that my grandpa has taught me about his heritage in the last few years because I did not realize that not many people, especially from around Ohio, have the privilege to experience Native American culture,” she said.
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This article appeared in print under the headline "Heritage month marks history of Native American culture, practice"
