Federal Recognition for Chickamauga Cherokee, Indian Creek Tribe

We are the Wolf Teaching Council for the Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Tribe; our home office is in Deltona Florida. Chief Old Billy Bowleggs, designated the Indian Creek Tribe as the keepers of the history for all Chickamauga Cherokee. Our tribe has been creating historically accurate educational programs for many years in both Alabama and Florida. We educate children and adults through school programs, tribal newsletters, public demonstrations, books and story fires that detail the telling of historical actions of this great nation while documenting the unique events pertaining to our people and the United States Government.

In the aftermath of the French and Indian War  part of France's Louisiana Territory, east of the Mississippi, went to the British along with Canada, while Louisiana west of the Mississippi went to Spain in exchange for Florida going to Britain. Mindful of the recent war, the British government prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, laying the foundation of one of the major irritants leading to the Revolution. "We had hoped the white men would not be willing to travel beyond the mountains. Now that hope is gone. They have passed the mountains, and have settled upon Cherokee land. They wish to have that usurpation sanctioned by treaty. When that is gained, the same encroaching spirit will lead them upon other land of the Cherokees. New cessions will be asked. Finally the whole country, which the Cherokees and their fathers have so long occupied, will be demanded, and the remnant of the Ani-Yunwiya, 'The Real People', once so great and formidable, will be compelled to seek refuge in some distant wilderness. Should we not therefore run all risks, and incur all consequences, rather than submit to further laceration of our country" Dragging Canoe Sycamore Shoals March 1775.

Our history is well known as the descendants of Dragging Canoe's warriors. Dragging Canoe (c. 1738- March 1, 1792) was an American Indian war leader who led a band of young Cherokees against the United States in the American Revolutionary War. He is considered by many to be the most significant leader of the Southeast, and provided an important role model for the younger Tecumseh, a Shawnee who would later join forces with the British in the war of 1812. The Chickamauga fought alongside the British in the American Revolution along with Indians from a number of other tribes and with support, at various times, from the French and the Spanish. We suffered and left hearts on the ground during the founding of America. We have a proud history connected to this country yet we are not federally recognized.

By signing our petition you will encourage Congressman Mica to support our bid for federal recognition and you will also be offering support in our effort to fulfill our destiny as the keepers of the history for all the Chickamauga Cherokee. We have no desire for a Casino; our people are the keepers of the history for all the Chickamauga Cherokee, if Federally recognized we would build a museum that would be open to the public so we can share our history with the public.

Our people respectfully request support from the public to inspire Congressman Mica to support our bid for Federal Recognition.Please lend your support to our cause

Wado

Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Tribe.