10/06/2026
The Seal of the Cherokee Nation is one of the most important and enduring symbols of the Cherokee people — representing history, culture, government, and unity. It appears on official documents, the Nation’s flag, and is widely recognized as an emblem of Cherokee sovereignty and identity.
Origins and Adoption
The official seal was created shortly after the Civil War as part of a rebuilding of the Cherokee government. In 1869, the Cherokee National Council passed an act mandating a tribal seal, and then-Principal Chief Lewis Downing approved its design and use. Although hand-drawn versions appeared earlier, the formal design helped unify the Nation under its renewed constitutional government.
At the center of the seal is a seven-pointed star, and around it a wreath of oak leaves. These elements, and the inscriptions in both Cherokee and English, reflect deep cultural meanings that go back to ancestral Cherokee life and governance.
Symbolism of the Seal
• Seven-Pointed Star: This star represents the seven traditional Cherokee clans — each foundational to Cherokee social and cultural structure. The number seven is sacred in Cherokee tradition and reflects unity and balance within the Nation.
• Wreath of Oak Leaves: Oak trees held special significance in traditional Cherokee life. The wood was commonly used in sacred rituals and to feed the central eternal fire in townhouses and ceremonial grounds. The wreath therefore symbolizes strength, endurance, and the sacred fire – the heart of the Cherokee community.
• Inscriptions: Around the edge of the seal are the words “Seal of the Cherokee Nation” in English, coupled with Cherokee language syllabary characters spelling ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ (Tsalagihi Ayeli), meaning “Cherokee Nation.” These dual inscriptions honor the Nation’s sovereignty and linguistic heritage.
• Date: The date September 6, 1839 is included on the seal to mark the signing of the first Cherokee Nation Constitution west of the Mississippi, following removal to Indian Territory — an important milestone in Cherokee governance and law.
A Living Symbol
Since its adoption, the seal has appeared on countless official documents, tribal flags, and government communications. It serves not only as a formal emblem of governance but also as a reminder of Cherokee Nation resilience, cultural continuity, and self-determination.
On the Cherokee Nation flag, the seal sits at the center, surrounded by seven seven-pointed stars representing the clans — a visual message that the Nation’s identity and heritage remain rooted in traditional values even as it moves forward into the future.
This was an article from a 2026 CCNT Newsletter. The CCNT Newsletter is distributed monthly to all current year paid CCNT members. To learn more about CCNT membership, see our website at: https://ccntorg.weebly.com/become-a-member1.html
The 2027 CCNT Membership Drive will start in late November 2026.