Core Values
Cherokee Preservation Foundation’s strategies have been shaped by the cultural values put down on paper by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians before they began helping Cherokee Preservation Foundation plan the first of many culture-based initiatives. These tenets help explain how Cherokee have been a resilient people who have been able to surmount many crises and hardships. The Cherokee value:
- Spirituality, which 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 and 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.