I am new to the listserv and new to tracing my roots. I have enjoyed reading all of the responses. One thing I have learned is that I know my roots are not only Cherokee, but Osage, Creek, and Powhatan's tribe. As far as getting "paper" proof, well, that's difficult to do. My grandfather hid his heritage because of prejudice and hatred that existed in eastern ky when he was young. I don't blame him at all. I think it is really a shame that it had to happen. I also learned that when the Whitetop Laurel Band tried to gain recognition from the Cherokee Nation they were denied because one of my ancestors (a native) worked as an army scout during the trail of tears. He was considered a traitor. I can't and won't judge the actions of those people. The fear must have been overwhelming. I do get disappointed though in the attitudes of some of the Nations about those of us that are not full-blood but trying to learn.
