Cherokee Core Values
PC: Jonah Lossiah/One Feather Photo
Spirituality
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Spirituality creates a bond among our people in good times and difficult times
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Spirituality is the cornerstone of survival
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Shared spirituality is a foundation of kin relationships
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Spirituality develops the heart
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Group Harmony
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Community & Kin Relationships
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Giving & Sharing
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Respect for Family Institution
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Sacrifice for the People
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Strong Individual Character
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Honesty
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Perseverance
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Integrity
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Courage
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Respect
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Trust
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Honor
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Humility
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Sense of Place
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Strong Connection with Lands
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Stewardship of the Homelands of the Cherokee
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Honoring the Past
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Knowing One's Ancestors
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Possessing a Sense of Cherokee Identity and Belonging
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Revitalizing and Living the Cherokee Culture
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Educating the Children
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Provide Values-Oriented Education and Recreation
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Role Models in Family, School, and Community Settings
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Sense of Humor
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Self-effacing humor - pokes fun at yourself as well as others.
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Humor is used to lighten pressure and help make good decisions.
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Indian humor is universal.
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These core values are sourced from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation's Vision Qualla initiative and a follow-up discussion with the Tribal Council in February 2005