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Our Tribe Today
Although our tribe is still based in Southeastern Texas we have tribal
members all over Turtle Island and beyond. In keeping with our history many of
our members are of other tribal heritages. We are a Hoop of Many Nations, banded
together in tribal unity.
We have re-established five of the Seven Clans of the Cherokee among our People
here in Texas.
The Wolf, Ani-Waya, the Bird, Ani-Tsqua, the Paint, Ani-Wodi,
the Long Hair, Ani-gilohi, and the Wild Potato, Ani-Gatogewi Clans.
Our Clan Mothers meet regularly to facilitate continuity and harmony between and
within the clans; to learn and share the teachings of the clans and how to
incorporate those teachings in our lives today.
We have a ceremonial ground in Buffalo and in Huntsville.
To the extent that we can we are returning to the ceremonial cycle of the Seven
Sacred Ceremonies of the Cherokee People.
An Asi (Cherokee sweat lodge) at the ceremonial ground in Buffalo follows the
teachings of Cherokee Elders and guides.
We hold regular Council Meetings, and we are learning new ways to "sit in
council" using Grandmother Spider's web (the internet) so that the voice of ALL
the people can be heard.
These meetings are open to all who want to know more about us. They are held at
various locations on the second Sunday of each month at 2pm. Call Chief Bill
FishKiller Taylor at: 936-291-7646 (home) 936-581-1763 (cell) or
Second Chief Rusty Wild Flower Bates at: 281-359-4914 (See Tribal Contacts)
We have recognized Teachers and Elders to guide us.
To recover our traditions from a loss of so many years will take many small
steps. With the guidance of Elders and Teachers of the Cherokee, and of the
Lakota People, we are taking those steps, one step, one day at a time. We
believe that each step we take binds more firmly, our yesterday, today and all
tomorrows in a thread of continuity, as we walk the White Path of Peace - the
Red Road.
We have soil we can walk on and be who we are.
The land is located in what is known as the last of the Piney Woods,
approximately 14 miles east of Huntsville. It is under the caretakership of the
Atsila Doxie Foundation , a non-profit foundation comprised of tribal members
and others who hold fast the dream and prayer that is this land. We call this
precious piece of Mother Earth, NWATIYI,PLACE OF GOOD MEDICINE.
Nvwatiyi was founded on an ancient Holy site, and we hold it sacred still.
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