The Cherokee Preservation Foundation offers these tenets, written by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, to help explain how the Cherokee people have been able to surmount many crises and hardships.
Spirituality creates a bond among Cherokee people in good times and bad, and is a source of hope.
Group harmony in community and kin relationships, and freely sharing giving time, talent and treasures.
Strong individual character, with integrity, honesty, perseverance, courage, respect, trust, honor and humility.
Strong connection with the land and commitment to stewardship of the homelands of the Cherokee.
Honoring the past by knowing one’s ancestors, identifying with and belonging to the tribe, and living and preserving Cherokee culture.
Educating the children by providing values-oriented education and recreation, and by being strong role models for them.
Possessing a sense of humor, which can lighten pressure in serious situations and help people make good decisions.