Nanye'hi

No class today--see you on Wed March 26

 

Center for Civic Education: Nanye'hi

Nanye'hi was a Cherokee woman born in 1738. She was called the "War Woman of Chota" because she fought in battle alongside her husband, Tsu-la. After Tsu-la died in battle, Nanye'hi led the Cherokee to victory.

The Cherokee honored her as a "Beloved Woman," a special title that gave her influence and leadership. She led the Women’s Council and served on the Cherokee General Council. Unlike European American women at the time, Nanye'hi had a political voice.

Although she was strong in battle, Nanye'hi, also known as Nancy Ward, spent her life working for peace between the Cherokee and Americans. At a peace treaty meeting in 1781, she urged for lasting peace, saying, 

"You know that women are always looked upon as nothing; 

but we are your mothers; you are our sons.

Our cry is for peace; let it continue.

This peace must last forever.

Let your women's sons be ours; our sons be yours.

Let your women hear our words."

Her heartfelt words helped secure a rare treaty that did not take away Cherokee land.

(edited from the video's transcript)

POP QUIZ:

• USCIS 100: 59.  Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
• USCIS 100:87.  Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

Learn more: 

• NY Historical Society: Life Story: Nanyehi Nancy Ward (1738–1822)
• PBS Learning Lab: Nanye’hi and the Power of Oral History (lesson plan)
• TN State Museum: Beloved Woman: The Life and Legacy of Nanye’hi (Nancy) Ward