THIS IS INDIAN LAND: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

By: Jessica Mehta

Tucked below the verdant landscape of the Green River Valley in what is now often called Kentucky, there are hundreds of miles of sprawling caves—and this is no common cave system. It’s comprised of over 400 miles, including 10 miles available for public tours. The National Park was established in 1941, making it one of the oldest attractions in the country. However, prior to contact, the area was home to prehistoric humans and several Native American Tribes.

Early Inhabitants

Evidence shows human use of the Mammoth Cave area dating back about 12,000 years. It’s estimated that the cave system was discovered about 3,500— 4,500 years ago by people of the Late Archaic and Early Woodland period. Hunter gatherers utilized the rivers and valleys as their main supply of resource access. Early peoples made use of about 20 miles of the immense cave system. Its minerals were key elements for ceremonial practices, trade, and as forms of medicine. Tools and burial remains have also been discovered in the caves, suggesting a spiritual connection between Native inhabitants and the cave properties. Park officials have collaborated with local Tribes to ensure the safety and respect for their ancestors’ resting places. The Mammoth Cave National Park area was home to myriad Indigenous people with ties to the Southeastern Woodlands. Today, the connected Tribal associations include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Shawnee Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Chickasaw Nation.

The “Cherokee” Peoples

First European contact with the so-called Cherokee people came with Hernando DeSoto in 1540, soon followed by more European explorers and immigrants. The term “Cherokee” was adopted by colonizers when they heard the term used by a neighboring tribe (“Cherokee” means “speakers of another language”). Cherokees did not claim this term until contact, instead referring to themselves with a variety of other terms such as Aniyunwiya (“principal people”).

Attempted treaties (over 500 have been broken by the U.S. government with various Native tribes) and complications with the government began in 1725. Still, by the late 1820s, Cherokees had a written language created by Sequoyah, a constitutional government, and a newspaper, The Cherokee Phoenix, still in print today in both Tsaligi (the Cherokee language) and English. However, by 1838, the discovery of gold in “Georgia” sparked a vigorous removal of an estimated 17,000 Cherokees over a seven month journey. Known as the forced removal along the Trail of Tears, which are actually several different trails, this resulted in the death of about 5,000 Cherokees. It occurred during one of the harshest winters in history, providing a perfect storm for starvation, exhaustion, and stockades. The Trail of Tears included displacement of what is today called the “five civilized Tribes.” In 1970, the Principal Chief’s Act created a way for the Cherokee Nation to take back control of their government and elect their own officials. Today, the United Keetoowah (pronounced Kih-too-wah) Band of Cherokee Indians are 14,000 members strong and located mostly in modern-day “Oklahoma.” They consider themselves the Western

Cherokee or the Old Settlers, keepers of tradition, and some chose to head west before the Trail of Tears officially began due to inherent rapid westward expansion.

The Shawnee Tribes

The Eastern Woodland Shawnee people were forced west into “Texas” and Old Mexico after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Through this relocation process, they became known as the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. It has been documented that their ancestors traveled from what is now known as “Canada” to modern-day “Florida,” from what is often called the Mississippi River to the East Coast before their removal of their lands. Being a woodland Tribe, they are speakers of the Algonquian dialect. In general, the ancestors of the Shawnee people were actively mobile and nomadic, comprised of warriors, hunters, planters, and gatherers within their community. They had bark covered longhouses for

ceremonies, separated their hunting camps into small family sections, and tied their agricultural practices to ceremonial purposes. Ceremonial dancing was interwoven with planting and harvest times. Many Shawnee people migrated to what is usually called Missouri and Arkansas today, and in 1832 the U.S. government attempted to remove all remaining Shawnees to “Kansas.” However, the Shawnees instead opted for “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma or Texas rather than settle for the surplus of Kansas land. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s citizenship consists of about 4,570 members today, with many proudly continuing the traditional methods, ceremonies, and medicines of their cultural heritage.

Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw’s ancestors consulted their “hopay’i” (prophets) to bring them to the Mississippi River, crossing it safely from west to east. Upon docking, they broke into two groups: the Chickasaw who followed Chiksa’ farther east and the Choctaws who remained at the initial camp with Chahta. The Chickasaw homeland once spanned across the great prairies, mountains, and forests of what is now Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. They used the many waterways and springs in the area for resources as well as trade and transportation. They built large temples, ceremonial complexes, and agricultural gardens that provided nourishment for all. Like the Cherokee Tribes, The Chickasaw’s first contact with Europeans was in 1540 with Hernando DeSota, followed by battles with French and Indian forces in the 1730s. The westward expansion of the colonizers forced treaties that were ultimately ignored by the U.S. government, reducing their land rights and access. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 pushed them out of their homelands. In the 1850s, a governor was chosen rather than a chief to provide more power to the Tribe, but the Tribal governments’ role ended in 1907 when “Indian Territory” became the state of Oklahoma. In 1971,

The first Tribal election was held, bringing many changes to the Chickasaw people. Today, the Chickasaw Nation is thriving, economically and culturally, and dedicated to the preservation of their history.

Supporting the Tribes and Nations from the Mammoth Cave Area

Since most Native Americans from the Mammoth Cave National Park area were pushed from their homelands, many Nations’ and Tribes’ organizations are located in surrounding states. You can still support these communities through the businesses and events listed below:

Support for the Cherokee People

For authentic Native art, visit the Cherokee Art Market. The market has been showcasing numerous artists of elite quality for the last 15 years. They host a youth competition and show, encouraging children to get involved in heritage artwork. Another option for the art love is The Trail of Teas Art Show & Sale. This is the longest-running Native art competition in Oklahoma and has been in operation since 1972.

For museum options, visit the interactive and immersive Cherokee National History Museum in the original Cherokee National Capitol Building, recently restored in 2019. In the middle of Tahlequah, Oklahoma you will find the Cherokee National Prison Museum and learn about the history of Cherokee law enforcement. ·There are several locations for Cherokee-owned gift shops for authentic souvenirs. You can shop online or visit one of the stores for a wide variety of beautiful options.

Support for the Shawnee Tribes

The Shawnee Tribe offers two casino options, both in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, for visitors. Indigo Sky Casino & Resort is an upscale location for gaming, delicious dining, and a comfortable place to stay. The Outpost Casino is a casual spot to play slots or games and enjoy a delicious grille. The Shawnee Tribe Cultural Center explores stories of the past and traditions throughout their history. The center is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but their online store has many options available for purchase, too.

Support for the Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw TV Network offers an impressive video series based on their Kentucky homelands with personal accounts from elders, traditions, historical events, and more. See the full list of Chickasaw Nation-owned businesses throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

Jessica Mehta is a multi-award winning Aniyunwiya (citizen of the Cherokee Nation) writer and artist. Born and based in Oregon, she takes advantage of her beautiful backyard of the Pacific Northwest on a daily basis. Learn more at:

www.thischerokeerose.com.