250 to 250:107. Cherokee Phoenix, Narrated by Rebecca Nagle

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Cherokee Phoenix, Narrated by Rebecca Nagle

Rebecca Nagle is an award-winning journalist and citizen of Cherokee Nation. She is the host of the First America podcast. Nagle tells the story of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native-run newspaper in America, which fought for Cherokee land and sovereignty and still publishes today.

The Cherokee Nation used writing to protect its land and rights.

• In 1828, the Cherokee Nation started a newspaper.
• It was the first Native American newspaper in the United States.
• Elias Boudinot was the first editor.
• He named the newspaper the Cherokee Phoenix.
• The newspaper was printed in Cherokee and English.
• President Andrew Jackson and Southern states wanted the Cherokee people to leave their land.
• The newspaper spoke out for Cherokee land and rights.
• Other newspapers across the country printed its stories.
• Some of its ideas were discussed in the U.S. Senate.
• The U.S. government later forced many Cherokee people from their homeland.
• This forced journey became known as the Trail of Tears.
• The Cherokee Phoenix still publishes news today.
• It is the oldest Native American newspaper in the United States.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:7.g. Have you causen do harm or suffering to any person because of their race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular group, or political opinion?
• USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
• USCIS 128:65.   What are three rights of everyone living in the United States? 
• USCIS 100:59. / 128:74.   Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
• USCIS 100:87. / 128:117. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
• Read: Name one right in the Bill of Rights. | What do people in America have?
• Write: Freedom of speech is a right.          | People in America have freedom of speech.

Family Fun:

• Cherokee: government  | coloring pages
• Cherokee Phoenix: History of the Cherokee Phoenix | newspaper website | YouTube channel
• NMAI: Native Knowledge 360: Cherokee Nation Case Study lesson plan
• NMAI: Price of Freedom: Eastern Indian Wars: A Civilized People
• NPS: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail | Junior Ranger Activity Booklet
• New Georgia Encyclopedia: The Cherokee Phoenix
• Story Maps: The Cherokee Advocate: Resistance Through Journalism
• Teach US History: Memorial of the Cherokee Nation, December 1829
• The Atlantic: Will Congress Fulfill a 184-Year-Old Promise to the Cherokee?
• WCU: Cherokee Phoenix (digital library)
• uscitizenpod: Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee Syllabary coloring page