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A Fight For Survival Continued: Through the years, Colonel Thomas purchased large portions of land for the Cherokee people. The lands were held in his name because North Carolina law prohibited Indians from owning any land. Later, he became chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokees until his death. When he died he was severely indebted for his land purchases. The Cherokees were in danger of losing their land again. The United States appropriated enough money to pay off the debts on the property. The Federal government established a 25,000 acre reservation and named it the Qualla Boundary in Honor of William Holland Thomas " Qualla" North Carolina finally recognized the Cherokees as land owners in 1866. In 1876, the federal government put this land in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokees. Over the years the reservation has been enlarged several times. Today, it is over 56,000 acres, and covers portions of four counties, Swain, Jackson, Cherokee, and Graham It is the largest Federal recognized American Indian reservation East of the Mississippi.
"Dedication to the Cherokee People"
The Great and Mighty one has shown Mercy on the Cherokee People. When they were persecuted He helped them endure. They were scattered into the Wind He has brought them together again. Today we are strong and soon you will see inside of us we are still Cherokee.
RedEagle 1999 (c)
This poem is dedicated my mother (Rose) and all of her Cherokee ancestors.
May We Not Forget From Whence We Came William D. (RedEagle) Weatherford
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