I hope Peter truly understands how important his channel is. As an American I feel like I've been learning more about my country from his videos than anywhere else. In a world that seems so divided and media pushing agendas, these raw and unfiltered first hand looks into many different communities are essential. Thank you!
Exactly the same thing was said by the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox church, long time ago. I don't think that he could know that Cherokee people have that saying. He became a monk as a very young man and when you become one you don't have much connection with the world outside. That's a great saying by the way.
I’m a First Nation Ojibwe from Canada and I was the 1st member to graduate from university. I’m in my twenties… Everything was paid for after high school because they want to encourage more people to pursue education. You should come visit Peter!!! I would love to have a platform to talk more about my people, they deserve more recognition.
Meanwhile the rest of us have to pay back student loans by busting our asses working countless hours. It’s disgusting to us that you get that free and we don’t.
@@IslenoGutierrezI for one am happy that the Native Americans are getting the help they deserve. We did steal their land. They've gone through hell and back to fight for their own land that we stole from them.
@@IslenoGutierrez when you get a loan, you’re sort of expected to pay it back no one made you get the loan that’s your lifestyle choice … You could’ve got a job and went to work
@@mitdec2179 I didn’t steal shit from them and no one did today. Them getting free money and free schooling and other things is unfair to the rest of us.
Littering is a huge deal there. When i was there, there wasn't a whole lot compared to where i'm from (NY) and they take it very seriously. They absolutely will try persecuting someone for it if caught, and there's volunteers from different walks of life frequently cleaning what there is. There's definitely some poverty which doesn't seem accurately portrayed in this video, but overall easily the most beautiful place i've ever been to, and i've been all over the country. Everyone is very friendly too, which caught me off guard because at the time i had only ever been to NY and massachusetts. Almost a different world from what i was raised in
@@Eminembest4eva1I’m a NC native and been to Cherokee all my life. It is absolutely beautiful up there. I’m supposedly a descendent of William Thomas that bought the land and gave it back to the Cherokee. Family folklore. My cousins did the genealogy for a college project. There is a play that is called Unto These Hills in the area that tells his story and the story of the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears. My husband is from TN and is 1/16 Cherokee. I’m so proud of our band of Cherokee that are here and I hate what was done to them. So happy to see them thriving and living a good life now.
@@rhondadavis1483 i'm right there with you. I experienced nothing but kindness while i was there, for the short time i was. I'm not native by any margin, i was working with the US Forest service in the area. Nonetheless it's my favorite place i've ever been
I don't want these Appalachian episodes to ever end . This has truly opened up my eyes to these places n people and I'm grateful for you making this series. Now one of goals is to go there n visit one day soon . Great work
I'm from the Appalachians, hillbilly, but have some Cherokee down my bloodline, so these videos definitely hit "home". I, too, am loving these videos! Keep up the great work, Peter.
That tells me its time now for him to explore another not so popular area of america or the world so more people can learn something new again. Thankfully he has given us a lot of Appalachian already. I'd love him to explore the yellowstone area. Yellowstone is the most beautiful place in america hands down, maybe the world (in my opinion). Zion and Bryce Canyon are also amazing with a lot of native history. Probably the most beautiful type of desert/mountainy scenery possible.The native history is rich in both yellowstone or the zion/grand canyon area.
As a Brit, when I think about America this is what I think of, open lands, hills, trees, laid back people, wooden beautiful houses, rolling streams and beautiful wild life. Not the crap that the media tries to feed us. Keep up the great work Peter 💪
Here in Oklahoma the tribes live better than the media makes it out to be they have many casinos and their own government we live together and you wouldn't even know you are in a reservation of many tribal nations all across eastern Oklahoma
We came from England to Warren Michigan, outside Detroit. We rented a house from pure Cherokee Indians in 1965, the elder was a grandmother who spoke Cherokee and just loved my parents, especially my mom. They were so open and friendly to our family, it was amazing. I have never forgotten how my mom and dad loved to speak about them. Such a great memory.
This series is genuinely one of the most informative on RUclips about off the beaten track places. I am in the UK, but i imagine most Americans who watch this series have learned alot about their own Country that they had no idea about.
Like a lot of white people im am 1/32 cherokee, this series sparked my fascination with the cherokee people but I had no idea there was an Eastern band doing this well
@@deadmeatjbas an American white with no ethnic identity beyond a vague sense of irishness I had a similar, but different, experience when I learned both my fathers parents were from Irish Traveler families. Pretty depressing rabbit hole.
I know more American history, and other history than many people I know. I also know that many Native American tribes do good once they have casinos. I was not aware of this particular band of Cherokee though, and found this to be fascinating. My youngest brother (half-brother) thought he was part Cherokee stemming from someone that was abandoned on the Trail of Tears, but a DNA test did not show any native DNA for him. I think it was just a big story his family told, because his father was known for being full of unbelievable stories.
The Indian boarding schools were for the purpose of removing the Indian from the nation. Couldn't speak their language the moment they were placed at the school, couldn't have their Indian name and was given a white man name immediately, cut their hair short to remove an important meaning to the cuture, and had to wear white man clothes. After the government learned how well it worked through the children, their agenda went to all government schools. Look at how much the brainwashing has replaced actual learning in the schools. Natives or white man cannot trust the government.
The culture & language. The ceremonies, passed down by keepers of knowledge. The horse went extinct during Ice Age. The world was where you walked, and tribal teachings, songs, prayers.
I wish I knew more tsalagi it’s a beautiful language when I visited it for a summer vacation I finally felt free finally I was home the holly land of my ancestors the clean garden of my culture the heart of Appalachia
It’s worth looking up William Holland Thomas, the man who helped buy back land for the Cherokee. He was a white man who was adopted into the tribe and later became their lawyer. He was also a successful merchant, served as a colonel for the Confederate Army, and even tried his hand in politics. Interesting figure.
William Holland Thomas was adopted by Yonaguska. He was the one who “convinced” us to fight for the CSA because he’d bought the land for the Cherokee, The Qualla.
I did & it's fascinating. William Thomas is the main reason this tribe is doing as well as they are. He lost his father at 4 & so when at 13 he became involved with the chief, he embraced him as a mentor. He repaid the chief's kindness with kindness. Amazing really.
As a native of the pacific northwest I often feel disconnected from the natives of the east, not because my views are different but because we didn't suffer the same atrocities they went through in the early struggles of america. My tribe is one of a handful that never had to leave our original land and lived much as we always had into the early 1900's. It amazes me to see the progress of the tribes over the past 30-40 years and the hope the younger generations have given to a once marginalized and dying breed of man.
I don't know why these people act like they lived in paradise before Europeans came. I am not justifying it but then they were not good people either, They lost to powerful tribe called Europeans and then that Europeans now are trying to undo the wrongs but then these people pull the victim card as their tribe never ever done such atrocities against another tribe members.
I wrecked my mental health with the political/religious debate side of RUclips for many years, but Peter, your videos are helping me think outwardly and healthily about humanity and have taught me to love and appreciate all people and all cultures. I'm no longer afraid, and you've helped me see that we are all human and capable of love, joy, and community.Thank you.
Well done!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 It takes a great deal of spiritual work to acknowledge past mistakes in perception and to head towards a place of peace, love and unbiased enlightenment. X
Good job bud. It takes a mature person who show some humility. It's just a part of life that some never reach, which is changing some of the views you one had.
Thanks for watching! Dylan thanks for bring us all into your world. It was an eye opener for me as it was for many of you. There are 512 Tribes in the USA and they are all different. Seeing the Eastern Band of Cherokee was another one of those, "The more I dig deeper into the US the more I realize there is so much more to learn and explore" experiences. ► Join our community: www.bit.ly/3HC36EH ► My exclusive content on Patreon: www.patreon.com/PeterSantenello ► Buy merch: www.shop.petersantenello.com
Thank you, Peter, for yet another excellent video. I've learned more about the USA from your videos than from TV programs and elsewhere. You provide a unique, genuine, and unbiased opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes USA. As a Finn in Finland and a European, I truly appreciate this learning opportunity.
I doubt it's true, but my brother visited Cherokee, NC a few years back and said a local Cherokee lady said they don't like the Cherokee Okiehomeys. I seriously doubt that's most people, that is too weird. Both groups of people (and not to exclude the United Keetowah Band) were screwed over by Andrew Jackson after he and the Tenn Volunteers got saved by the Cherokees in the war w/ the Muscogee. I'm an Okie as well, but haven't been able to prove any lineage apart from being distantly related to former Chief John Ross, the guy in charge when that happened with Jackson, but on the Euro side of the family, i.e. English via my father's maternal side. My good friend Charlie, who's a tribal member in OK, complained about how the tribe in Tahlequah doesn't really help kids with education, $500 flat for uni, yet is one of the richest tribes in the US with its ownership in over 100 businesses. Anyway, I told Peter in one of his Native videos, I think it was this one, he needs to visit with some tribes in Okieville.
Simply stated, the content on this RUclips channel is in the highest echelon of social media. The variety of people and places showcased by Peter is phenomenal and remarkable. Within this set of videos on Appalachia, he has introduced us to an amazing variety of people with very diverse backgrounds. I am grateful and appreciative of all this educational content. Brilliant work
I like the way Peter asks questions. He does so in a non-judgmental way and to stimulate discussion and also raise awareness of what he’s asking about. Truly a person who is aware and sensitive and respectful. I love whenever a new video comes out.
A lot of eastern band people just want Peter to remake the video with someone else because Dylan didn’t really reflect what we think or believe or our culture or history all that well, a lot of facts that he gave were just his opinion and not accurate or history based very much at all, other things that Dylan mentioned he very much needed to explain in greater detail, Dylan mentioned Cherokees had slaves but he didn’t go very in depth on the history of it, Cherokees had slaves prior to the 1800s and the slaves Cherokees had prior to the 1800s were mostly primarily native people from other neighboring tribes and captured white trespassers who were illegally squatting, trespassing, mining, homesteading without permission on what at the time EVERYONE knew was Cherokee land/territory, so before 1800 Cherokee slaves were usually natives from neighboring tribes captured during a war party or white people who were doing things they knew they weren’t supposed to in a place everyone knew they weren’t supposed to be, and Cherokee slaves at that time it was a different social construct than European slavery of African people, Cherokee slaves were temporary, firstly people usually only received or got slaves via capturing someone on a war party as a result of retaliation for a family member being killed previously which is kinda weird but if someone attacked and killed…..grandma or someone then they’d go get even by attacking whoever attacked us and capture the same number of their people as they killed of our people and we’d get a slave to replace our recently killed grandma or brother, that slave would belong to a family who had someone recently killed by the enemy to replace the dead family member, the slave would be forced to work and do domestic chores for years but after 2-5 or so years if the slave seemed trustworthy and like he didn’t want to run away, if the slave seemed content with where he was then he’d be adopted into the tribe and no longer be a slave he’d be like a new family member like a new son, of course that didn’t always happen and some people always wanted to escape and bring back others to get revenge and so those people would either always be slaves but more often they would be killed (the logic is a mercy killing that to put a caged bird out of its misery instead of letting it live it’s entire life in captivity wishing to be free) and so before 1800 Cherokees had slaves that often got adopted into the tribe that’s why there are Cherokees with mvskoke/Muskogee creek ancestry or Catawba or uchi ancestry, but after 1800 Europeans were intent on Christianizing the entire North America continent and Europeans didn’t feel comfortable living on the same continent as people who believed or lived differently than them so Europeans endeavored to civilize and Christianize Cherokees and in order to civilize us they had to make Cherokees live as similarly to Europeans as possible and one way of doing that is by replacing the traditional Cherokee methods of agriculture and growing crops with the European method of completely domesticating and subjugating the land and creating very European style farms and during the 1800s the most civilized way to farm (if you asked a European colonist) is to use African slaves and Europeans were kinda forcing Cherokees to act and live like Europeans do because that’s what Europeans said was the most civilized and modern way to farm, so Cherokees adopted the European method of farming and living and Europeans really emphasized to Cherokees that these African people are not like you and are somehow less than you that you’re not to adopt these slaves like we did the others, the slaves are less than you and less than human so they should be slaves permanently and that’s how Cherokees began to own African slaves, most Cherokees did not own African slaves, by the time African slaves became available in Cherokee territory most of the war parties capturing enemy tribes had pretty much died out, we didn’t travel long distances or make many military endeavors after 1800 we kinda started to chill out, i kinda think the reasoning for that is European decimating our neighboring tribes and it just didn’t feel right attacked groups that have already been nearly taken out by Europeans and we knew it wasn’t a good idea to attack Europeans since by 1800 they pretty much had us surrounded bordering our territory on all sides almost so we did what they told us and became farmers and the richest Cherokees who were part white or half white would have African slaves, THE RICH PART WHITE SLAVE OWING PLANTATION OWNING CHEROKEES ARE THE ONES WHO SIGNED THE CHEROKEE REMOVAL TREATY BECAUSE WHITES PROMISED THE SLAVE OWNING CHEROKEES MORE LAND OUT WEST THAN THEY OWNED IN THE EAST!!!!! The part white slave owning Cherokees spoke on behalf of the entire Cherokee people when they were not chiefs nor did they have any authority or special permission to sign a document that affected all Cherokees, the Cherokee chiefs had already refused to sign the treaty the granted the government permission to remove the Cherokees, instead the Americans got a bunch of wealthy half white slave owning plantation owning Cherokees to sign the document, basically the United States government didn’t need any official chief or leader to sign the document they just needed anyone of Cherokee descent to sign it so they bribed and tempted a bunch of rich slave owners, the majority of Cherokees in the 1800s did not own slaves they couldn’t afford them and when the government rounded up the Cherokees and forced them to walk to Oklahoma the African slaves were included, the Cherokees who stayed here in Appalachia and hid in the mountains were poor and didn’t own ANY African/black slaves and we hid in the woods and avoided the army, Dylan did not explain any of this history but even a Cherokee from Oklahoma should’ve known this being that Oklahoma received all the Cherokee slaves and they became the Cherokee freedmen which were granted Cherokee nation citizenship SO ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE WHO SAY MY TRIBE OWES UOU REPARATIONS PLEASE RESEARCH YOUR GENEALOGY, IF YOU FIND THAT YOUR ANCESTORS WERE OWNED BY CHEROKEES INSTEAD OF WHITES THEN PLEASE FIND OUT IF THOSE CHEROKEES WERE PART OF OR THEIR DESCENDANTS ARE CHEROKEE NATION FROM OKLAHOMA!!!! It’s highly highly unlikely to find Cherokee slave owners that were eastern band/living in North Carolina after 1830, if you believe Cherokee people owned your ancestors and you deserve something then I’m here to inform you the Cherokee nation from Oklahoma (DYLANS ACTUAL TRIBE!) allows enrollment of black freedmen if you can prove your ancestors were owned by Cherokees, Cherokee nation tribal members don’t get money but if the eastern band didn’t own your ancestors then I don’t see the logic of owed reparations to someone who never owned your family however in the extreme unlikely event of finding paperwork that proves North Carolina Cherokees owned your ancestors after 1830 then i would recommend reaching out to the family personally because I’m not aware of ANY Cherokees in North Carolina owning slaves after the trail of tears we literally hid in the bushes every time we heard anyone coming that’s not exactly how wealthy slave owners live, in Oklahoma those Cherokees were given big plots of land and they still had slaves until just after the civil war, we didn’t and if somehow someone does find evidence EASTERN Cherokees still had slaves I can’t imagine that it was more than one family that somehow retained their wealth and home place but I haven’t been made aware of the existence of such but i would recommend in that extremely unlikely event that one would reach out to the descendants of that family but no the eastern band of Cherokees did not have slaves after the trail of tears, Dylan did not explain any Cherokee history about slaves other than we had them and so I don’t feel like anything that I’ve said justifies having slaves I still think it’s very very wrong however by just blurting out we had slaves and we’d put you to work didn’t really do much for explaining history and without context whatsoever it’s easy for people to think Cherokee slaves were the same as white slaves, I’m not saying being a slave was fun but without context it’s easy for people to think how we treated slaves and our cultures relationship to slavery was exactly the same as Europeans, Dylan also said Cherokees fought for the south mostly…….which is true however it was mostly the Cherokees living in Oklahoma because a lot of our people in North Carolina were still hiding from the government, Cherokees in Oklahoma fought for the south but not that many of them fighting for the south actually owned slaves, the confederacy told the native Americans living in Oklahoma that if they would fight for the south then when the south wins they’d give native people the entire Oklahoma territory to be a state for their very own and native people can govern themselves and live how they want in a state all their own, of course the south lost and the north told the natives “sorry you fought for the wrong side, as punishment we’re gonna cut your land holdings in half” before the civil war Oklahoma was basically almost 100% nothing but native people of many many tribes but now Oklahoma is inhabited by white people because natives sided with the south to be able to govern themselves and they lost so their land was taken AGAIN even though all the tribes in Oklahoma were told “if you’ll just move to Oklahoma we’ll leave you alone for good” and so the majority of the reason that most natives fought for the south had very little to do with slavery because not very many natives had slaves at that point anyway they just wanted autonomy
My great, great, grandmother was Cherokee, and she walked the trail of tears, we grew up with a lot of respect to our elders and the men didn't talk down or abuse women or children, I love this show as Im learning a lot, Im 72, I have a picture of my great, great, grandmother standing in front of the little shanty shed house, a one room,
she walked the trail of tears because your cherokee grandaddies sold their land to the US for $5 million. I don't for sorry for any of you Cherokees. My native ancestors stayed and fought for their land.
@@menarentlogicalWho sold land during the trail of tears? I've never heard that version of the story and it doesn't make sense to pay for land that you are stealing in the first place. 😮
I can guarantee if you took a DNA test it would show zero indigenous. If I had a buck for everyone that says they have a Cherokee ancestor I’d be Jeff Bezos
This documentary is absolutely amazing. It's nice to see indigenous people thriving with their own laws, views, values, and traditions. Fantastic work!
@@JBS7551 I grew up around there. Not native. Before the casino they were still doing as well as anywhere else in the area. Culturally they were little different from the rest of the mountain folk up there. There is a huge difference between natives who went to live on reservations and those here that own their own land and businesses.
@@JBS7551 You better believe it. The Cherokee fight the State Rec Lumbee "Indians" tooth and nail from getting Fed Rec because they know the Lums wanna open up casinos and reap other benefits. Lum ancestry is questionable
@@JBS7551 what was the point of your comment besides being a dick? It wasn't simply having a casino, its how they used that money and distributed it, and the general culture of these people. Also, if you actually watched the video and wasn't being such a smartass, you would know they had other sources of income as well. This was mentioned twice. Cut the bullshit kid. We all need to do better with how we talk to each other on these social media platforms, hopefully you'll take a moment to learn from this but I doubt it.
This really is one of the better corners of the internet in general. Even for the most part, besides some children *ahem JBS* even the comments tend to be more cordial and thoughtful on his videos.
I'm a member of Cherokee Nation. This was a great to see what is going on with the Eastern Band. My grandfather's mom arrived in Oklahoma as an orphan child many years ago. I don't believe in reperations, but other tribes that don't own their land are at the mercy of federal government. Those tribes deserve ownership. You take pride in what you own.
🤔 my grandmothers mom also came from Oklahoma, we do have a very different sense of humour to others. I also cut my hair when someone close passes. Not sure about you but being around chanting or drum circles really makes my mind & body react differently to any other sounds.
Not owning the land you live on is not a “native American” thing. There are very few whites that own the land they live on even tho they think they do. Ownership just doesn’t mean what it used to!
As an African American born and raised here I am just amazed at what I am learning this side of my life about this place we all call home. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for sharing these stories. I remember the first time someone asked me what language "we" spoke at home... I was offended and shocked at the time but now as I learn more about other cultures, especially from Indigenous people, I understand the question and it's sad: I didn't know we had another language.
Many blacks in America have Indigenous ancestors (Jimmy Hendrix is one) and there were many people during the slave era who look African American who were not, they were Indigenous, but pretended to be Black because the Indigenous people were typically treated worse than Blacks at that time. I know there are some in New Orleans. There's so much history of America never taught in schools...it's really interesting.
The reparation question was kind of stupid. They were given their own land and were able to keep their language and culture and they were left alone. Look how well they are doing now as opposed to black people who were messed with from day one, and still were responsible for the growth of this country.
I'm Dutch but I am watching this series with great interest. It's beautiful to get such deep insights into how people live in a community that I didn't even know existed. Thanks for allowing people like me to learn about them.
My ex-wife was Dutch, and I'm German/Cherokee. Dutch women don't eff around! Lol My boy's are blonde headed with my Asian/native American squinty eyes. Lol we made some beautiful boys. The one thing from her we did right.
He failed to mention the Cherokee were called one of the 5 civilized tribes because they took on the belief and culture of the European including the buying and enslaving Black people! Gen. Stand Watie led a Battalion of Cherokee, Creek and other of the 5 civilized tribe's in battle against the north in the Civil War.
Make sure to cook them galumpkis and other polish foods and keep those traditions alive the way my grandmother did for my family, as she was of polish ancestry.
I love the mountains. I've moved all over, but nowhere compares to the mountains of West Virginia. Peaceful nature, cheap housing, extremely clean air, very little light pollution where you can count thousands of stars, and the people will break their back to help a neighbor.
ive never been to WV but its always been a dream. Since i was a child i felt drawn or a coonection there. i have strong Christen beliefs so shouldnt have been going to any tea leaf reader to begin with. Anyway i went to this tealeaf reader ladyfew years back and usually they give vauge info but this lady told me straight out im to find love of my life in a very unusal way in a man from the mountains and all i could think about is this nagging feeling and connection to the mountains of WV tho ive never been there. Now i grew up on an Island East Coast of Canada so no mountains just endless water in all directions around me. Unfortunately bad choices when i was younger I have a criminal record which means im pretty sure ill never be able to go see the mountains in this lifetime
Hi Peter, My husband and I met you on the trail that leads to Mingo Falls. You were interviewing the gentleman. Cherokee, N.C. is a beautiful place. We can't wait to return. . We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to meet you. We love your amazing videos Blessings,
Peter's guests always mention that he feels like a friend to them at some point in the videos. Because he's real, he's authentic and you just can't fake that. Such a subtle but crucial element of why his work is so profound.
I’ve noticed that! They consider him a friend by the end of it. Peter is a real one that’s for sure. You definitely can’t fake that. You can see that he genuinely cares to learn about these people and places
@@outofbounds218 Yes, and if he was bitter... he wouldn't last. The work he does is exhausting. It's something you can only do if you have a passion for it and a genuine curiosity about people, and frankly a love for people.
I went to school about 40 minutes from cherokee and it was my favorite place to go to. I even got to take a Cherokee language course while at school and I really fell in love with the history, mythology, and language of the tribe. Thank you for showing this place the love and attention it deserves.
As a native North Carolinian I totally appreciate this story and for sharing with the world how beautiful this state truly is! My Dad’s family is from the “mountains” of North Carolina, specifically Murphy, NC and it’s amazing how some families have persevered the family land and are so gracious to allow those of us who grew up in the “city”, as my Dad’s older relatives would refer to the family members who moved out of the mountains to find jobs in the textile industry down in the piedmont area of the state back in the early 1920’s and ’30’s. They are so close to the Cherokee community and I can remember going there when I was a kid in the 70’s and it was so different, but they were always so happy and so welcoming and so grateful for everything they have…so now they have prospered and are sharing their fruits with the non Native Americans just speaks to the tribe and the people who make up their tribe! I think the reason they are so successful is because they have been doing the right thing for so long even when it wasn’t profitable for them and they never quit…they were steadfast and they continued to grow and thrive by staying true to themselves and their values as a nation! So, again thank you to anyone who is a tribal member for sharing your beautiful stories and your land with the rest of us, I’m honored that you have made it possible for me to enjoy as well as my family and the generations before me and those that will follow! May peace and prosperity continue to thrive and may love always prevail! ❤
@@sj1345 Nope. This has been my experience and what I’ve witnessed! I’m sure everyone has a different perspective or experience but it doesn’t necessarily mean anyone has been deceived!
I'm at pilot mountain amd I never realized how much more beautiful places we have here in NC. I found alot of arrow heads in great shape when we plowed to farm tobacco so I've always been curious if there was a tribe by my house here amd who they were, I never knew how to find out but would love to if anyone knows how to get that kind of information
When I was a child, when my family went on vacation to Gatlinburg we often went over to visit Cherokee. What a splendid change! Thank you so much, Dylan, for this tour of the Boundary and for showing and explaining to us how successfully and beautifully the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have developed and preserved their land and economy. I wish you and them continuing success, health and happiness. Peter, your documentaries are absolutely the best I've ever seen. Keep up the excellent work!
Yup, got married in Gatlinburg and during honeymoon spent several days around Cherokee. Driving over the mountains are breathtaking. I remember going to Cherokee museum and all the little shops. My favorite peices of jewelry come from Cherokee. At least once a year we go there. The mountains, big blue skies with fluffy white clouds...one of the most beautiful places on earth. October during peak autumn season is magical.
I hope Peter realises how important is channel is to us outside America. It gives me here in Wales UK an insight into the lives of so many people and cultures . A big thank you to Dylan as well , as always interesting, informative and entertaining . A great interview well done Peter and Dylan. Good luck to Dylan and this family , i hope his daughter gets to travel one day .
im in the uk and have cherokee friends there and i really really dont think these places should be publicised . places only stay ok cos nobody knows about them. its being wrecked there as we speak but YT will only speed that up.
Pete, I’m 22 and grew up in East Tennessee. Your recent dive into Appalachia’s history means a lot to me and younger audience too. (Your inner city stuff a few years back is what gripped me) The great smoky mountains are my life, but Went to school in Knoxville , so I got to experience inner city life as well. would love to see some more of the mountains make into the series. ALSO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING THE CHEROKEE. Believe it or not the natives here have a deep respect for then.
You are not the natives They are You stole their land I know because my last name is Cowan Cowan brothers of Bristol Grew up on chestnut hill next door to the Kings That land was stolen from the real native people Respect you say? Get a clue Learn the real history
Everyone in East Tennessee definitely respects the Cherokee culture. I live in knoxville also. So much so that almost all families , black or white , claim Cherokee ancestry. Some have Cherokee blood , some wished they had it and a few actually do , but a lot claim that ....my mama's grandmother was full or half. ...just like me.😅I do have some proof. It really doesn't matter everyone respects the Eastern Band of Cherokee and they do deserve it. My family used to go through Cherokee every year to decorate my grandparent's family Graves and it has grown so much.
I'm not sure why indigenous Europeans always larp on being 1/16th native American😂 I'm 100% European and happy about it. The problem is my people forget who we were before modern times. Strange thing really.❤❤
@@RunninUpThatHillh I am 100% Native American... Born and raised here in the USA. I wonder what the inner circles of your European country would say about you if you went back there and claimed your 100% European? My wife is a green card permanent resident alien from Germany, and even she doesn't dare say shes 100% German (even though she is) to Germans, since she's lived in the USA for 50 years, and knows virtually nothing about Germany.
The caliber of your documentaries is remarkable, Peter. It's an amazing testament to who you are. A fellow human with genuine curiosity, respectful, good-faith intentions a camera and microphone. It gives me great hope and satisfaction that so many people are drawn to your channel. It tells me that there are millions of people who would rather experience authentic and raw content with substance rather than rote scripted, over produced noise with biased angles.
Please keep my daddy in your prayers. He had a major stroke a month ago and it has affected his whole left side. We're happy to say he just came home from rehab a week ago. Specifically for the return of the eyesight in his eyes. Thank you ya'll and God bless ❤
Sending positive healing energy, blessings and prayers ..Blessed be to your Daddy, you and your family my sister..☯️LOVE & LIGHT from Pittsburgh PA..💛🖤💛❤️ (TheGoOdGreEnWiTcH🌎🌊🔥🌬️)May your God,God’s,Goddesses or Higher Power be with you always..
This Appalachia series has been amazing and awesome. The information from this series is mind blowing, Dylan is a great represenative of his Cherokee people, great job. Peter thanks for letting Dylan tell his story and the story of his people.
Kenneth, USA government broke every Treaty with its native people. Every 4 years the Department of Interior announces the Increasing Debt they owe to the native peoples for use of their land over the years. It's over $150 Billion today, but no initiative among White Christian America to pay that debt. Christian peoples almost never behave like Christ! And this guy does not represent Indians well!
I'm Scottish born and bred, but have always dreamed of travelling around the landscapes of North America, seeing what different places feel like. Thank you for feeding my curiosity until I get out there. Absolutely fascinating. 💛💚💙
when you come, visit me, in in los angeles and can show you my favorite spots across the state. ain't no place like california despite all the negative you hear
@@amandaburleson2035 People have been making fun of California for DECADES. That's quite alright. They can just stay away. We don't need energy like that here. 😅❤
I'm literally amazed. This is beyond definition of respectfull, professional documentary. I've never seen a host who is so charizmatic and invisible at the same time. Let people talk and story will unfold. 10/10 and I really hope you will get all the F awards for documentary on the YT. I don't watch TV anymore. I watch ppl like you. Thank you.
I totally agree with you I never turn on my TV. I am on RUclips all the time. I love peters channel so much. He brings so much adventure and is so nice and polite doing it.
I’m From New Albany, Indiana and the “Boat Casino” Is In Elizabeth,Indiana and it’s called Caesars Casino and Only Some Of The Casino “Was” on a house boat but no longer is. It’s Just A Normal Big Building And Casino With A Hotel Attached To It. Never Knew The Cherokee Owned It.
I've been visiting this area for forty years- actually recognized a lot of the roads. The difference in how the Cherokee are living is absolutely remarkable. Great film!
In 2000 I had a Full blood Cherokee neighbor who walked out of those mountains at 15. She made good. When I knew her she was 80yrs old. Times have changed for the better since she was young. She is long gone but this video has shown me where she came from and I know she would be pleased that conditions for the Cherokee have improved. Another video that has made me cry.
A point of clarification as someone who lives in Knoxville, which is the largest big city to Cherokee North Carolina… The gas station with 120 pumps that they were referring to is in an area near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that is wholly owned as far as the land goes by the eastern band of the Cherokee. I think the plan is for them eventually to build a second casino right off the interstate there, and basically massively increase their profits but they do hold a giant chunk of land over here by Knoxville and good for them
Casinos rely on 'white' man's money. This money will soon dissipate and casinos will die out. The 'weed' factories too will become a burden upon the poor 'white' trash who are shunned in their own country by everyone foreign because of treasonous, treacherous parasitic rich elites who have taken over rule of government in the USA. The origins of the USA by those who founded it and shed their blood for it are being erased due to hatred of the so-called 'white' man and the culture that built the USA. Agreed though, Anglo men and women have been beaten down mentally and physically by domestic enemies who are determined to erase the Anglo-Saxon nation from the map.
Cherokee NC is one of my most favorite places on earth, I have been three time and need to go back. It is so beautiful. There is a feeling in the air it is hard to describe.
After seeing this video, its definetly on my list. Hoping to move to NC anyways so id love to take a trip. Surrounded by mountains it looks gorgeous, im kinda jealous
For 36 years our home has been in Western North Carolina close to Cherokee. For the last 24 years we've lived @ 3800 ft elevation looking over three mountain ranges and it has been a blessing. Thank you for filming in our neck of the woods. We never want to take it for granted.
It’s not your neck of the woods just because you buy a house and move here, honestly people will stand in one spot for ten minutes and start calling themselves local
Very thankful to live in these mountains most of my life. We can only change the present and honor the first people who inhabited these mountains before us by respecting the land and the people. We intend to do both.
Wow! Peter! That was FASCINATING! I'm 62 and studied Indian-American Relations at UT-Knoxville in the early 80's. We met with tribal leaders in Cherokee, toured the high school, etc. etc., and SO MUCH has changed! This was SO informative and interesting. THANK YOU for filming and allowing and helping Dylan tell his story. Loved it! Teresa (Nashville)
@@diydiva3190 never heard it said, “American Indian”? just because someone’s vocabulary is different from yours doesn’t make it okay for you to laugh at them and think you know it all above them. These folk even call themselves Indian. The man at the end mentioned His granny and said how she spoke and sung in Indian. The fellow didn’t say speaking and singing in American or Native American. The fella said Indian. 54:54 Even the hospital’s sign literally says “Cherokee Indian Hospital” 58:25
I am in Albuquerque, close to Navajo and other native populated lands. I studied traditional ways with a Micmac elder when I was on the east coast in Virginia, the elder lived in eastern Canada. I am compassionate and respectful, but I don't play “PC” games very well. I refer to a native person, as a native person, or by whatever and however they tell me they want to be called. “Friend” is the best. I refer to persons from the subcontinent of India as “Indians" then I say, "dots not feathers”, and people always get it what I am saying. I don't use it the other way through. Native people are people, and I like people.
Dylan is so respectful and well spoken of his people. I've really enjoyed learning from him. I also love a culture that respects women the way that he clearly does. Thank you for coming on the channel and teaching all of us. Keep doing great things Dylan.
I thought the same until he disrespected the elder. Didn’t like the “know it all” attitude. Even if he was right, he should have not reacted in that way.
@@jns447 he didn't disrespect him, he was defending his land, this is a video and if he let it stand the lie he was telling we would think the guy help doing the video is a liar
Found this on the situation about who owns the land.....Though it is commonly referred to as the Cherokee Indian Reservation, the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary is technically not a reservation because individual tribal members hold title to about eighty percent of the land. Because the land is held in a federal trust, it cannot be sold except to other tribal members.
Just an opinion I feel the fed should have no right to anything, especially Native American land. For people who don't know, there's proof that Native Americans were officially here even when other Natives of other regions migrated into this region. This land is rightfully there's there's zero need to have the fed involved with what land they are to have. What I stated of Native Americans officially being here even when other tribes migrated is true fact. It's their land bottom line.
You’re somewhat contradicting yourself. How can the tribal family hold title and the federal government also? The land is designated Indian Country and the title is half by the federal government in trust for the allottee. As it passes down through generations, living, direct descendants on equal share to the property so disposing of it requires 100% agreement from all, which rarely ever happens. Having the deed in the name of the federal government protect the tribe from state oversight, so it’s actually a good thing for them
But...history happens wars are fought and land is taken... this is normal...why are the first nations immune to this... Many French and Germans on their border disagree who is who...after ww2 some French became German and germans became French... happens everywhere... The natives lost the battles..the USA became a nation and everyone was absorbed...
Being from Knoxville, TN, We've been to Cherokee so many times via the Smoky Mountains and we've always wondered how the community lived. We just always assumed Cherokees were private people where outsiders weren't welcome except to spend money in their town. Peter's time with Dylan has completely changed my point of view and has made me proud to live in the same region as the Cherokee people. I have shared this with so many people. In my opinion, Dylan was Peter's best interview.
Dylan was able to spend time with Peter, to share hidden gems concerning Native Americans from his knowledge of history. Other interviews, like the group of young men, especially the historian deep in the mountains and good ole Titus!!! God bless America!!! May God restore the Native Americans throughout the nation.
All the reservations Peter visited the people he interacted with are all amazing. Warm kind welcoming people. I'm hoping to see ones on the First Nation tribes like M'ikmaq and the other tribes.
Not at all. In fact people in Cherokee love visitors (it’s their livelihood) and sharing their culture with anyone who will listen. Check out the museum in Cherokee and the village in the summer. You’ll get to see firsthand how the Cherokee lived and you might be even more surprised to find out it wasn’t all that different than the white man.
This format of communication is so much more human than the for-profit media. The value of the small press was known at this country’s founding and is beginning to be found again in human social media producers. Really enjoyed the approach, editing, consistent story line, pristine audio, nice color balance, absence of exploitation, and …. Productions like this do not happen by accident. Bravo and know your commitment to excellence is obvious.
You're seeing the good. Living in relative isolation as a homeowner makes you vulnerable to the inordinate amount of drug addicts, but our addicts are locksmiths, tech gurus, and builders. They'll find a way to steal ur shit and it's easy to hide. I live and work in Appalachia, and my family has been here since 1780, but my Native ancestors for thousands
@@bendover-bz4bc No, racists are actually worse! I saw your racist comments in another comment section and you've been reported. You're ignorance is disgusting, and will get you no where in life.
I've have vacationed in Gatlinburg, TN several times in my life, and I've been fortunate enough to spend time in Cherokee 3 or 4 times. I didn't know any of what was shared in this video. Amazing. I would suggest to anyone visiting the town to watch the Trail of Tears play that is hosted there. Thank you for this video, it was very educational to me.
Yes, it's called "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama. Very good and like 30+ years running. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian there is also great to visit!
PLEASE go back and watch the Stickball Tournament in the fall @Peter Santenello. We need a follow up :) Thank you Dylan for showing us your home and for teaching me about your culture
Such a great episode! I used to go to the casino in Cherokee such a beautiful area. If you ever go back, stop by Joey’s pancakes and Maggie Valley, you won’t be disappointed.
I honestly don't know how one hour goes by so quickly, but I think that's just a testament to just how well made and engrossing Peter's videos are. I literally could've sat through another hour of this
@@blackdonte24it’s better that people spend their time learning by watching great documentary type content like this rather than garbage dating shows or reality tv.
Let me get this straight? He is encouraging his daughter to be on benefits for her future adult work life… bring on the depression…she’ll have no self worth…. And the weed? It’ll ruin things…seen it here in Washington state with weed and casinos…. The natives do HARM…don’t get any other ideas… they hurt societies.
@@84CORVETTEBILLThe profits from the casino aren't government benefits. And I think you harmed the native societies more than they will ever harm yours.
The part where he talked about why his parents didn't speak or teach him their native language hits close to home for me. All of my grandparents were Cajun French. When they were children, free mandatory school became a thing. Along with the mandate to not speak the only language they knew. They were beaten, and ridiculed by the school staff and other students alike if they were caught speaking their native tounge. When my grandparents on my father's side had children, they decided to americanize our French last name. Growing up I knew that we all pronounced our last name very differently in regards to parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. But we used the original pronunciation when referring to, or talking to mawmaw, and pawpaw. They also never spoke Cajun French in front of us, unless they had something to say to each other that they didnt want us to understand. I never really thought to question why this was until my mid 30's. After learning the history I was heart broken. Although we participated in many traditions from my cultural heritage growing up, they were not given to us as a part of our heritage. As far as I knew this was American traditions. I think if we would have been taught how these things were deep rooted in our history, maybe we could have held onto them. I can't imagine the pain my grandparents felt making the decision not to pass on all these precious gifts, that had been taught for generation after generation. The only part that I feel completely rooted in is the food. To which I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up eating. There are some communities in Louisiana that still hold on to our ancestors way of life. Although its tough trying to raise children in the ways of old, while living in this modern world. Sorry for rambling on, I felt like I needed to get this out. So my heart goes out to this man trying to hold onto his dying traditions.
Is there not a “mother land” where your people originate from? There IS where you will find your culture thriving & surviving. This HERE is that man’s peoples “mother-land” I imagine way more scarce there others “home” original lands.
@@wiztribe Not as most people think of a mother land. My ancestors were forced to leave LA Cadie, or Acadia, which is now Nova Scotia Canada, in the 1700's by Great Britain. France and Great Britain had both been fighting over the area and ownership had changed hands between them multiple times. In the mid 1700's Britain didn't like the fact that my ancestors would not swear their allegiance to the king of England. Besides not having anything to do with this fight between France and England, the king wanted us to go to war with the native people of the area. The same natives that we had become allies, and by multiple generations of intermarriage, and family. Great Britain did horrible things to them, and after 10 or so years they were forced to leave. They came to what's now Louisiana. So we've been here for twice as long as we've been anywhere else.
my grandma would speak it regularly in the house. surprised i didnt naturally pick it up as a second language as the entire household (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles) all spoke it and spoke it well. they would mainly talk in cajun french so we couldnt understand them lol
Thank you for saying, “I feel like I owe my ancestors something”, my great grandmother was full blood Cherokee and I feel the same way. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I’ve been to Cherokee and love it there! I actually recently got a job and moving to Sevierville so I’m close to home! Keep the good work! I love you videos and I’m new to watching! Thank you for coming and showing Appalachian people!
In fact, everyone in this country should have that perspective, no matter which of the groups you spawned out of, and whatever issues there were previously, in the end, it's thanks to these people and the struggles they all went through that we now have what we do. The sad part is how we'll take what they all went through and then turn around and make a mockery of it and ruin it in so many ways. The lack of appreciation is concerning.
I recently discovered my great- grandmother was Eastern Cherokee, too. We were always told she was a Native American, but nobody knew what tribe until I researched our family tree. My DNA test confirms it and put me in touch with many cousins. The history is so rich; my Cherokee ancestors fought in the Civil War and even the Revolutionary War. I've been able to trace this back to the 1700, and still going! I'm amazed at what a wonderful people Cherokee are/ were and proud to call them my ancestors.
I'm an ex-felon and can't get a passport to leave the country so I live vicariously through your videos. I watch a lot of videos on all different types of things and I truly feel like you're the best at what you do!!
I love going to Cherokee NC. The indigenous are some of the friendliest people you could have the privilege to meet. I first went through the area in the mud 70s and just about cried later in the 80s there was noticeable improvements but when they built the Casino the changes were spectacular The council really did their homework and put their people first. I'm very proud to take anybody up when I go camping and walking in the Smokies that we have this great tribe in North Carolina. I've been out West and saw the mismanagement of some Rez's, some are following this management style which makes my heart smile. Great show Pete.
It's really not hard to be friendly when you are born with this much entitlement and privilege... If they actually cared about anybody besides their own tribe, including other Native Americans living in poverty with no casino money, they would share the money instead of giving every member half a million dollars so they pretty much will never have to do any real work for the rest of their lives.
@Chezzy79 why should they have to give away money that is earned fairly by them? That is in itself entitled thinking. They owe nobody anything. If they want to do something they can but nobody is owed anything in life.
@@Chezzy79 they do not have to give any of "their" money away, since it belongs to their tribe. Keep your socialism to yourself. However, it would be nice to see them try to help other Cherokee tribes, or even other native tribes, become as successful as they are, and that does not necessarily mean they have to give any of them money.
@Cheezy79 It's not to/for them(Eastern Cherokee)to distribute what they have created for their tribe(people) when ALL TRIBES have the same opportunity. A lot of tribal lands are mismanaged by their own people who are corrupt..that is a fact, research it! However those that have an input by the people of that tribe can adopt the same principles as the Eastern Cherokee and many,many Tribes that have thrown out corrupt leaders and put forth a concerted effort to take their existence into the forefront to preserve their heritage and to provide for their children and their children's children. I witnessed the change from a place of poverty to building a society with a Gambling Casino that provides Concert Venues, Business to the area..but the important issue is this..they went forth with the premise to provide for their people , do the right thing and lift themselves out of poverty. They are self sufficient! Something not only Indigenous Americans have accomplished but it should be seen as an example for All people (citizens) of America. Take care of yourself & yours which brings forth PRIDE in self. GOD(Great Spirit) Bless Them.
Definitely. I wandered all around East Europe in '99. The people are so warm and friendly, and I learn a lot about the history and people. When you talk to the locals and get away from the tourist shit you get to know them.
Amazing. The Eastern Band has their act together! It’s incredible to see a community truly thriving. I’m also partial to the mountains, streams, fertile grounds and green land. It seems to me that from survival to flourishing is made easier in this part of the country. This episode is a combo of Appalachia & Native People, 2 series that I am truly thankful to you for pursuing & sharing. Thanks Peter!
Maybe the ex-coalminers need to be granted a permit to build a casino. I wonder how casino revenues will be affected after all the baby boomers "age out" of tourism.
Fantastic journalism. That’s how the good and bad should be covered by the media, and you Peter are doing a sacred job. Keep up the amazing work. I love 2.5 hrs south of Cherokee, in GA, and Cherokee region is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the South. You found a wonderful genuine partner to this video. Thank you both.
@@nixwestlake9196Are you really that hateful? It’s just an observation from someone who actually believes in using good manners and being humble about my own privileges. Every time I see a comment like yours, I cringe at the thought of someone who is so ignorant that they really believe that they can just say or do whatever they want online WITH ANY CONSEQUENCES.
@@fishercourt 😂😂😂 that’s rich. Good manners, being humble and polite is synonymous with asking someone you do not know if they’re “really that hateful? “. Check yourself ✅
I live in OK and am a Cherokee tribal member here. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’m so proud of of how far we have come. The trauma from the removal still exists but we are beginning to heal. I would say in the past 20 years we have came a long way. Our heath system especially. We now have Cherokee immersion schools and an amazing show called Osiyo TV. I recommend everyone to check it out. Wado for the video!
No shit. We have so many other Cherokee businesses too. I know there’s something funny with the state and the tribal contracts. I feel like Stitt is against us.
Our friends are Cherokee from OK originally from where this video takes place their parents. One lady was removed from her parents in the early 1900s. Then the other one, her dad was both Wyandotte and Cherokee. Her grandfather was also taken away from the tribe and moved to a residential building for children. We haven't figured out much more than that.
My Dad didn’t teach us his first language Spanish for the same reasons. He didn’t want us to go through what he went through not speaking English as a kid but I wish he would have because I’d be a lot more fluent than I am now and living in California and knowing Spanish can be beneficial and also get you more pay at most jobs.
A year ago I was traveling up to the Great Smoky Mountains through the western part of North Carolina and it was my first time passing through some of the small towns and cities and I didn’t know what to expect when I got to Cherokee. And when I got there I was amazed at how clean the streets were and their landscapes were beautiful with their mosaics. Even what was cool about that place was that their street signs had both Cherokee and English written on them. I love what that man said at the beginning of the video, “You can take a boy out of the mountains but you can’t take the mountains out of the boy”
Whoa! What the guy said at 5:52 really hit hard as an Irish person. Our language was basically driven out by the English invasion. We still cling to it as it’s on our street signs, government forms and taught in school but we don’t really speak it outside of that, save for a few small areas in the west. Ya there are huge advantages to using English as our primary language but what are we losing by not keeping Irish alive. Love your videos, have seen a whole other side to the US through you.
@@benedictcumberbatch4275 Doesn't that sound a little facetious? It's still terrible to lose one's language, and it's undeniable that language is as important to a people as their culture.
When you know another language you see the world as the people who speak that language see the world. Every language is unique and has a worldview expressed by it. When you lose a language or a language dies you cannot express that worldview in the same way. There are many words, idioms and ideas that are unique to every language which tell you about the people who speak it.
Huge respect for Native Americans! Thank you so so much Peter for showing us the Native American communities from detailed & distinct perspectives than the mainstream media which has always obscured them from view. Please continue the Native American series!
I'm a Cree from Treaty 6 territory in what is now called Canada. I have traveled and visited the lands of the Seminole nation in Florida and noticed many characteristics that are shared with fellow Indigenous peoples of what is called north america today. I truly appreciate the perspectives you've provided us Peter by your candid conversations, insightful questions, your perspective and societal perspectives to clear away misconceptions and draw us closer together. I'm so curious about the Heatlh situation and what is happening that makes an incredibly beautiful facility sit mainly unused due to "not good" doctors(?). Does the nation have an interest in traditional medicinal practices mixed with western medicine? would have loved to see more (if possible) on cultural practices of the people, elders perspectives, etc. We truly are a wild mix of experiences as Indigenous peoples, and yes, the murdered and missing women is a serious issue for us in Canada and all our communities. Maybe Peter can dig deeper into that issue and see what solutions (?) will resolve this.
Feels like this channel just popped into my feed out of nowhere and is blowing up (and well deserved). I've binged a few of your vids now and they're absolutely fascinating. Being from the industrial North of England, and now settled with a family in the Welsh Valleys- the stories of these coal mining communities really resonates with me. The similarities are so striking and frankly, makes me really want to visit. Top work Peter
As an American, I’m in the same boat. I’ve been seeing this Appalachian series pop up out of no where and I’ve been binging these hard the last 2 days. I love it. I grew up in rural Hudson Valley/Catskills, New York until college and have lived and worked in SoCal, Summit County, CO and Denver, CO. I have settled in Central TX now and watching these videos make me sad that I’ve grown up a mere 8-12 hours away without ever experiencing these Appalachian towns/cultures. Makes me want to leave Texas.
Appalachian people have a deep Celtic past, many folk songs still sung to this day came from Northern England/Scotland. Some of the language still used in Appalachia has a lot of Old English and Scottish roots.
Peter, I am so glad I found your channel. I’m learning so much about America. It’s absolutely nuts. They should be showing your videos to kids in school to learn what real America is like. I appreciate you and your channel and helping me expand my brain.😊
I live 20 minutes away from Cherokee. Such a beautiful part of this country. I'm enjoying these Appalachian videos since I grew up here in the Appalachian mountains (West Virginia). Good stuff Peter! Keep up the excellent work!
I love this! I live on the other side of the mountain from Cherokee in Sevierville TN and i love spending the day in Cherokee shopping and eating and learning all about the Cherokee people. My grandma was part Cherokee and I love learning about it! Cherokee is a beautiful place with beautiful people!
Man, this touched my heart. Keep doing what you're doing, Peter. Showing the world that good-hearted folk are all around, if you take the time to look.♥
For those who can’t afford to travel our world and learn about all the cultures out there we have Peter santenello 😀😀😀 so happy I found this channel ❤️
That land is absolutely beautiful. Peter, you always get the best insiders to show us around and provide real personal insight into these places and cultures that we have heard about, but maybe have not or will never get a chance to see or visit. You're awesome.
That was PHENOMENAL!!! I have goosebumps. This little ole Canadian woman is simply blown away at this experience. Thanks to you BOTH for it. Blessed . I feel blessed. 🇨🇦
I pray my Cherokee brothers can still thrive and progress and go on hopefully one day the rest of us can get ahead like our brothers, greetings from the Jatibonicu Taino Tribal Nation of Boriken ( Puerto Rico 🇵🇷) seneko kakona Cherokee nitiao. ( Abundant blessings to our Cherokee friends)
I LOVED THIS STORY! Thank you Peter and Dillon for showing us successful Natives and communities! As a Native from OK, I loved the positivity in this video. Much love❤️
I'm 53 years old and I would love to be able to go with you on a road trip, but my dog would have to come lol. He's a 5 year old wheaten terrier and he's the most awesome dog a man could ever have, a true gift from heaven.
The world is a better place because of you, Peter. Truly. I have learned more about this country (and others) from your videos than I have in a textbook.
He is one of the most gracious host I have ever witnessed. No matter where he is, he is never judgemental, just reporting. May God bless this man and his family.
He was a great tour guide, kept it real and was very knowledgeable. We went to the area when I was a kid to see the history and the tourist spots. Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing this conversation and tour.
I hope Peter truly understands how important his channel is. As an American I feel like I've been learning more about my country from his videos than anywhere else. In a world that seems so divided and media pushing agendas, these raw and unfiltered first hand looks into many different communities are essential. Thank you!
Am A Ugandan 🇺🇬 all the way from East Africa I bet if there’s anyone there enjoying this channel more than I do!!
p
His channel should be required watching by the school systems.
Preach. My 9 year old watches these videos with me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Absolutely
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”
― Cherokee Proverb
All these native proverbs are just stuff white people said 50 years ago none of them ever said any of that
Beautiful saying!
Exactly the same thing was said by the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox church, long time ago.
I don't think that he could know that Cherokee people have that saying. He became a monk as a very young man and when you become one you don't have much connection with the world outside.
That's a great saying by the way.
An amazing proverb, I love it
Omg I LOVE THAT!!!
I’m a First Nation Ojibwe from Canada and I was the 1st member to graduate from university. I’m in my twenties… Everything was paid for after high school because they want to encourage more people to pursue education. You should come visit Peter!!! I would love to have a platform to talk more about my people, they deserve more recognition.
Meanwhile the rest of us have to pay back student loans by busting our asses working countless hours. It’s disgusting to us that you get that free and we don’t.
@@IslenoGutierrezI for one am happy that the Native Americans are getting the help they deserve. We did steal their land. They've gone through hell and back to fight for their own land that we stole from them.
@IslenoGutierrez well we weren't slautered by the millions and Noone took our land..so there's that
@@IslenoGutierrez when you get a loan, you’re sort of expected to pay it back no one made you get the loan that’s your lifestyle choice … You could’ve got a job and went to work
@@mitdec2179 I didn’t steal shit from them and no one did today. Them getting free money and free schooling and other things is unfair to the rest of us.
What impressed me so much was how clean everything is, the people love their land and take care of it.
They love their land but pay someone else to take care of it now🤓
Littering is a huge deal there. When i was there, there wasn't a whole lot compared to where i'm from (NY) and they take it very seriously. They absolutely will try persecuting someone for it if caught, and there's volunteers from different walks of life frequently cleaning what there is. There's definitely some poverty which doesn't seem accurately portrayed in this video, but overall easily the most beautiful place i've ever been to, and i've been all over the country. Everyone is very friendly too, which caught me off guard because at the time i had only ever been to NY and massachusetts. Almost a different world from what i was raised in
@@Eminembest4eva1I’m a NC native and been to Cherokee all my life. It is absolutely beautiful up there. I’m supposedly a descendent of William Thomas that bought the land and gave it back to the Cherokee. Family folklore. My cousins did the genealogy for a college project. There is a play that is called Unto These Hills in the area that tells his story and the story of the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears. My husband is from TN and is 1/16 Cherokee.
I’m so proud of our band of Cherokee that are here and I hate what was done to them. So happy to see them thriving and living a good life now.
@@rhondadavis1483 i'm right there with you. I experienced nothing but kindness while i was there, for the short time i was. I'm not native by any margin, i was working with the US Forest service in the area. Nonetheless it's my favorite place i've ever been
@@JohnWalsh-o6bis there something wrong with that?
I don't want these Appalachian episodes to ever end . This has truly opened up my eyes to these places n people and I'm grateful for you making this series. Now one of goals is to go there n visit one day soon . Great work
😊
Take a trip there if you get a chance brother, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing
I'm from the Appalachians, hillbilly, but have some Cherokee down my bloodline, so these videos definitely hit "home". I, too, am loving these videos!
Keep up the great work, Peter.
I totally agree with you.
That tells me its time now for him to explore another not so popular area of america or the world so more people can learn something new again. Thankfully he has given us a lot of Appalachian already. I'd love him to explore the yellowstone area. Yellowstone is the most beautiful place in america hands down, maybe the world (in my opinion). Zion and Bryce Canyon are also amazing with a lot of native history. Probably the most beautiful type of desert/mountainy scenery possible.The native history is rich in both yellowstone or the zion/grand canyon area.
The Cherokees helped us Irish in the time of the famine. . Thank you ànd God bless you. From Ireland.❤❤
Irish
Damn I just googled that that’s so sick
The Irish helped native peoples during Covid. ❤
I love learning the history of love and sharing
Halito! The Choctaw helped the Irish, too.😊
As a Brit, when I think about America this is what I think of, open lands, hills, trees, laid back people, wooden beautiful houses, rolling streams and beautiful wild life. Not the crap that the media tries to feed us. Keep up the great work Peter 💪
It really is the real america. Dont let big media fool you. Much love ❤
Here in Oklahoma the tribes live better than the media makes it out to be they have many casinos and their own government we live together and you wouldn't even know you are in a reservation of many tribal nations all across eastern Oklahoma
You should come by and visit the real ones here on the reservations!
Fellow Brit here. We need a Peter to tour the UK and expose our underbelly. Tbh though I don't think it would be half as extraordinary as the US.
English need to learn there history and never forget what use did to the Irish and every where else use colonised 🍀🖕🍀
We came from England to Warren Michigan, outside Detroit. We rented a house from pure Cherokee Indians in 1965, the elder was a grandmother who spoke Cherokee and just loved my parents, especially my mom. They were so open and friendly to our family, it was amazing. I have never forgotten how my mom and dad loved to speak about them. Such a great memory.
True 😊 people who love the land that the great spirits gave.
❤
that's a great lil story u have
Warren is our family's name in Oklahoma
Peters attempting to understand different people from all over the world is what humanity needs right now
Amen
Yes ❤
Yeah I can see that, There Customs, Beliefs, mannerisms, Behaviors, How they run their Lives. And all with out Leaning Judgement.
This series is genuinely one of the most informative on RUclips about off the beaten track places.
I am in the UK, but i imagine most Americans who watch this series have learned alot about their own Country that they had no idea about.
facts
Facts again and truth
Like a lot of white people im am 1/32 cherokee, this series sparked my fascination with the cherokee people but I had no idea there was an Eastern band doing this well
@@deadmeatjbas an American white with no ethnic identity beyond a vague sense of irishness I had a similar, but different, experience when I learned both my fathers parents were from Irish Traveler families. Pretty depressing rabbit hole.
I know more American history, and other history than many people I know. I also know that many Native American tribes do good once they have casinos. I was not aware of this particular band of Cherokee though, and found this to be fascinating. My youngest brother (half-brother) thought he was part Cherokee stemming from someone that was abandoned on the Trail of Tears, but a DNA test did not show any native DNA for him. I think it was just a big story his family told, because his father was known for being full of unbelievable stories.
That man is 100% right about language. It's a huge part of what makes a nation.
The Indian boarding schools were for the purpose of removing the Indian from the nation. Couldn't speak their language the moment they were placed at the school, couldn't have their Indian name and was given a white man name immediately, cut their hair short to remove an important meaning to the cuture, and had to wear white man clothes. After the government learned how well it worked through the children, their agenda went to all government schools. Look at how much the brainwashing has replaced actual learning in the schools. Natives or white man cannot trust the government.
The culture & language. The ceremonies, passed down by keepers of knowledge. The horse went extinct during Ice Age. The world was where you walked, and tribal teachings, songs, prayers.
I wish I knew more tsalagi it’s a beautiful language when I visited it for a summer vacation I finally felt free finally I was home the holly land of my ancestors the clean garden of my culture the heart of Appalachia
exactly; just look at Israel.
@@joangordoneieio Israel is hard to look at with the war crimes they're committing
It’s worth looking up William Holland Thomas, the man who helped buy back land for the Cherokee. He was a white man who was adopted into the tribe and later became their lawyer. He was also a successful merchant, served as a colonel for the Confederate Army, and even tried his hand in politics. Interesting figure.
William Holland Thomas was adopted by Yonaguska. He was the one who “convinced” us to fight for the CSA because he’d bought the land for the Cherokee, The Qualla.
I did & it's fascinating.
William Thomas is the main reason this tribe is doing as well as they are.
He lost his father at 4 & so when at 13 he became involved with the chief, he embraced him as a mentor.
He repaid the chief's kindness with kindness.
Amazing really.
As a native of the pacific northwest I often feel disconnected from the natives of the east, not because my views are different but because we didn't suffer the same atrocities they went through in the early struggles of america. My tribe is one of a handful that never had to leave our original land and lived much as we always had into the early 1900's. It amazes me to see the progress of the tribes over the past 30-40 years and the hope the younger generations have given to a once marginalized and dying breed of man.
What's your tribe name if you don't mind? I'm curious
I have close family friends from the Cherokee region. Life is much more affluent now. Still a lot of self sufficient communities.
@@JakeSant the yurok tribe, in northern california
👍
I don't know why these people act like they lived in paradise before Europeans came. I am not justifying it but then they were not good people either, They lost to powerful tribe called Europeans and then that Europeans now are trying to undo the wrongs but then these people pull the victim card as their tribe never ever done such atrocities against another tribe members.
I wrecked my mental health with the political/religious debate side of RUclips for many years, but Peter, your videos are helping me think outwardly and healthily about humanity and have taught me to love and appreciate all people and all cultures. I'm no longer afraid, and you've helped me see that we are all human and capable of love, joy, and community.Thank you.
that's because you put too much work into trying to please online strangers. Disconnect from the internet once in a while!!
Well done!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
It takes a great deal of spiritual work to acknowledge past mistakes in perception and to head towards a place of peace, love and unbiased enlightenment. X
🙏🫶
Good job bud. It takes a mature person who show some humility. It's just a part of life that some never reach, which is changing some of the views you one had.
What a wonderful thing that you've learned from these videos. If I were Peter your comment alone would be the best compensation ever
Thanks for watching! Dylan thanks for bring us all into your world. It was an eye opener for me as it was for many of you. There are 512 Tribes in the USA and they are all different. Seeing the Eastern Band of Cherokee was another one of those, "The more I dig deeper into the US the more I realize there is so much more to learn and explore" experiences.
► Join our community: www.bit.ly/3HC36EH
► My exclusive content on Patreon: www.patreon.com/PeterSantenello
► Buy merch: www.shop.petersantenello.com
Thank you too
😅😊
Thank you, Peter, for yet another excellent video. I've learned more about the USA from your videos than from TV programs and elsewhere. You provide a unique, genuine, and unbiased opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes USA. As a Finn in Finland and a European, I truly appreciate this learning opportunity.
Greatting from Indonesia 🇮🇩 thank you so much for always sending amazing vidio
LOVE YOUR VIDEOS !!! BEST on RUclips
I'm a Cherokee Nation citizen from talequah. Amazing how different between the tribes though we are the same people.
I doubt it's true, but my brother visited Cherokee, NC a few years back and said a local Cherokee lady said they don't like the Cherokee Okiehomeys. I seriously doubt that's most people, that is too weird. Both groups of people (and not to exclude the United Keetowah Band) were screwed over by Andrew Jackson after he and the Tenn Volunteers got saved by the Cherokees in the war w/ the Muscogee. I'm an Okie as well, but haven't been able to prove any lineage apart from being distantly related to former Chief John Ross, the guy in charge when that happened with Jackson, but on the Euro side of the family, i.e. English via my father's maternal side.
My good friend Charlie, who's a tribal member in OK, complained about how the tribe in Tahlequah doesn't really help kids with education, $500 flat for uni, yet is one of the richest tribes in the US with its ownership in over 100 businesses. Anyway, I told Peter in one of his Native videos, I think it was this one, he needs to visit with some tribes in Okieville.
You're a very beautiful Indian woman i don't like far away from Cherokee
Simply stated, the content on this RUclips channel is in the highest echelon of social media. The variety of people and places showcased by Peter is phenomenal and remarkable. Within this set of videos on Appalachia, he has introduced us to an amazing variety of people with very diverse backgrounds. I am grateful and appreciative of all this educational content. Brilliant work
Thank you so much Rob!
I’d encourage him to come back and talk to sone different folks..
@@cumberlandquiltchic1I’m not even from there but, I agree 100%. Some of the things said by Dylan is suspect.
I like the way Peter asks questions. He does so in a non-judgmental way and to stimulate discussion and also raise awareness of what he’s asking about. Truly a person who is aware and sensitive and respectful. I love whenever a new video comes out.
A lot of eastern band people just want Peter to remake the video with someone else because Dylan didn’t really reflect what we think or believe or our culture or history all that well, a lot of facts that he gave were just his opinion and not accurate or history based very much at all, other things that Dylan mentioned he very much needed to explain in greater detail, Dylan mentioned Cherokees had slaves but he didn’t go very in depth on the history of it, Cherokees had slaves prior to the 1800s and the slaves Cherokees had prior to the 1800s were mostly primarily native people from other neighboring tribes and captured white trespassers who were illegally squatting, trespassing, mining, homesteading without permission on what at the time EVERYONE knew was Cherokee land/territory, so before 1800 Cherokee slaves were usually natives from neighboring tribes captured during a war party or white people who were doing things they knew they weren’t supposed to in a place everyone knew they weren’t supposed to be, and Cherokee slaves at that time it was a different social construct than European slavery of African people, Cherokee slaves were temporary, firstly people usually only received or got slaves via capturing someone on a war party as a result of retaliation for a family member being killed previously which is kinda weird but if someone attacked and killed…..grandma or someone then they’d go get even by attacking whoever attacked us and capture the same number of their people as they killed of our people and we’d get a slave to replace our recently killed grandma or brother, that slave would belong to a family who had someone recently killed by the enemy to replace the dead family member, the slave would be forced to work and do domestic chores for years but after 2-5 or so years if the slave seemed trustworthy and like he didn’t want to run away, if the slave seemed content with where he was then he’d be adopted into the tribe and no longer be a slave he’d be like a new family member like a new son, of course that didn’t always happen and some people always wanted to escape and bring back others to get revenge and so those people would either always be slaves but more often they would be killed (the logic is a mercy killing that to put a caged bird out of its misery instead of letting it live it’s entire life in captivity wishing to be free) and so before 1800 Cherokees had slaves that often got adopted into the tribe that’s why there are Cherokees with mvskoke/Muskogee creek ancestry or Catawba or uchi ancestry, but after 1800 Europeans were intent on Christianizing the entire North America continent and Europeans didn’t feel comfortable living on the same continent as people who believed or lived differently than them so Europeans endeavored to civilize and Christianize Cherokees and in order to civilize us they had to make Cherokees live as similarly to Europeans as possible and one way of doing that is by replacing the traditional Cherokee methods of agriculture and growing crops with the European method of completely domesticating and subjugating the land and creating very European style farms and during the 1800s the most civilized way to farm (if you asked a European colonist) is to use African slaves and Europeans were kinda forcing Cherokees to act and live like Europeans do because that’s what Europeans said was the most civilized and modern way to farm, so Cherokees adopted the European method of farming and living and Europeans really emphasized to Cherokees that these African people are not like you and are somehow less than you that you’re not to adopt these slaves like we did the others, the slaves are less than you and less than human so they should be slaves permanently and that’s how Cherokees began to own African slaves, most Cherokees did not own African slaves, by the time African slaves became available in Cherokee territory most of the war parties capturing enemy tribes had pretty much died out, we didn’t travel long distances or make many military endeavors after 1800 we kinda started to chill out, i kinda think the reasoning for that is European decimating our neighboring tribes and it just didn’t feel right attacked groups that have already been nearly taken out by Europeans and we knew it wasn’t a good idea to attack Europeans since by 1800 they pretty much had us surrounded bordering our territory on all sides almost so we did what they told us and became farmers and the richest Cherokees who were part white or half white would have African slaves, THE RICH PART WHITE SLAVE OWING PLANTATION OWNING CHEROKEES ARE THE ONES WHO SIGNED THE CHEROKEE REMOVAL TREATY BECAUSE WHITES PROMISED THE SLAVE OWNING CHEROKEES MORE LAND OUT WEST THAN THEY OWNED IN THE EAST!!!!! The part white slave owning Cherokees spoke on behalf of the entire Cherokee people when they were not chiefs nor did they have any authority or special permission to sign a document that affected all Cherokees, the Cherokee chiefs had already refused to sign the treaty the granted the government permission to remove the Cherokees, instead the Americans got a bunch of wealthy half white slave owning plantation owning Cherokees to sign the document, basically the United States government didn’t need any official chief or leader to sign the document they just needed anyone of Cherokee descent to sign it so they bribed and tempted a bunch of rich slave owners, the majority of Cherokees in the 1800s did not own slaves they couldn’t afford them and when the government rounded up the Cherokees and forced them to walk to Oklahoma the African slaves were included, the Cherokees who stayed here in Appalachia and hid in the mountains were poor and didn’t own ANY African/black slaves and we hid in the woods and avoided the army, Dylan did not explain any of this history but even a Cherokee from Oklahoma should’ve known this being that Oklahoma received all the Cherokee slaves and they became the Cherokee freedmen which were granted Cherokee nation citizenship SO ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE WHO SAY MY TRIBE OWES UOU REPARATIONS PLEASE RESEARCH YOUR GENEALOGY, IF YOU FIND THAT YOUR ANCESTORS WERE OWNED BY CHEROKEES INSTEAD OF WHITES THEN PLEASE FIND OUT IF THOSE CHEROKEES WERE PART OF OR THEIR DESCENDANTS ARE CHEROKEE NATION FROM OKLAHOMA!!!! It’s highly highly unlikely to find Cherokee slave owners that were eastern band/living in North Carolina after 1830, if you believe Cherokee people owned your ancestors and you deserve something then I’m here to inform you the Cherokee nation from Oklahoma (DYLANS ACTUAL TRIBE!) allows enrollment of black freedmen if you can prove your ancestors were owned by Cherokees, Cherokee nation tribal members don’t get money but if the eastern band didn’t own your ancestors then I don’t see the logic of owed reparations to someone who never owned your family however in the extreme unlikely event of finding paperwork that proves North Carolina Cherokees owned your ancestors after 1830 then i would recommend reaching out to the family personally because I’m not aware of ANY Cherokees in North Carolina owning slaves after the trail of tears we literally hid in the bushes every time we heard anyone coming that’s not exactly how wealthy slave owners live, in Oklahoma those Cherokees were given big plots of land and they still had slaves until just after the civil war, we didn’t and if somehow someone does find evidence EASTERN Cherokees still had slaves I can’t imagine that it was more than one family that somehow retained their wealth and home place but I haven’t been made aware of the existence of such but i would recommend in that extremely unlikely event that one would reach out to the descendants of that family but no the eastern band of Cherokees did not have slaves after the trail of tears, Dylan did not explain any Cherokee history about slaves other than we had them and so I don’t feel like anything that I’ve said justifies having slaves I still think it’s very very wrong however by just blurting out we had slaves and we’d put you to work didn’t really do much for explaining history and without context whatsoever it’s easy for people to think Cherokee slaves were the same as white slaves, I’m not saying being a slave was fun but without context it’s easy for people to think how we treated slaves and our cultures relationship to slavery was exactly the same as Europeans, Dylan also said Cherokees fought for the south mostly…….which is true however it was mostly the Cherokees living in Oklahoma because a lot of our people in North Carolina were still hiding from the government, Cherokees in Oklahoma fought for the south but not that many of them fighting for the south actually owned slaves, the confederacy told the native Americans living in Oklahoma that if they would fight for the south then when the south wins they’d give native people the entire Oklahoma territory to be a state for their very own and native people can govern themselves and live how they want in a state all their own, of course the south lost and the north told the natives “sorry you fought for the wrong side, as punishment we’re gonna cut your land holdings in half” before the civil war Oklahoma was basically almost 100% nothing but native people of many many tribes but now Oklahoma is inhabited by white people because natives sided with the south to be able to govern themselves and they lost so their land was taken AGAIN even though all the tribes in Oklahoma were told “if you’ll just move to Oklahoma we’ll leave you alone for good” and so the majority of the reason that most natives fought for the south had very little to do with slavery because not very many natives had slaves at that point anyway they just wanted autonomy
My great, great, grandmother was Cherokee, and she walked the trail of tears, we grew up with a lot of respect to our elders and the men didn't talk down or abuse women or children, I love this show as Im learning a lot, Im 72, I have a picture of my great, great, grandmother standing in front of the little shanty shed house, a one room,
If your great great grandma was Cherokee, you are Cherokee too. We don’t do blood quantum.
What a pleasure is to read your comment. I’m imagining you looking at that photo. So precious.
she walked the trail of tears because your cherokee grandaddies sold their land to the US for $5 million. I don't for sorry for any of you Cherokees. My native ancestors stayed and fought for their land.
@@menarentlogicalWho sold land during the trail of tears? I've never heard that version of the story and it doesn't make sense to pay for land that you are stealing in the first place. 😮
I can guarantee if you took a DNA test it would show zero indigenous. If I had a buck for everyone that says they have a Cherokee ancestor I’d be Jeff Bezos
This documentary is absolutely amazing. It's nice to see indigenous people thriving with their own laws, views, values, and traditions. Fantastic work!
Dont think theyd be thriving if casinos were legal everywhere else
@@JBS7551 I grew up around there. Not native. Before the casino they were still doing as well as anywhere else in the area. Culturally they were little different from the rest of the mountain folk up there. There is a huge difference between natives who went to live on reservations and those here that own their own land and businesses.
@@JBS7551 You better believe it. The Cherokee fight the State Rec Lumbee "Indians" tooth and nail from getting Fed Rec because they know the Lums wanna open up casinos and reap other benefits. Lum ancestry is questionable
@@JBS7551 what was the point of your comment besides being a dick? It wasn't simply having a casino, its how they used that money and distributed it, and the general culture of these people. Also, if you actually watched the video and wasn't being such a smartass, you would know they had other sources of income as well. This was mentioned twice.
Cut the bullshit kid. We all need to do better with how we talk to each other on these social media platforms, hopefully you'll take a moment to learn from this but I doubt it.
This really is one of the better corners of the internet in general. Even for the most part, besides some children *ahem JBS* even the comments tend to be more cordial and thoughtful on his videos.
Gorgeous country. All the greenery and the sound of rushing water is therapeutic. 🌿😊❤
I'm a member of Cherokee Nation. This was a great to see what is going on with the Eastern Band. My grandfather's mom arrived in Oklahoma as an orphan child many years ago.
I don't believe in reperations, but other tribes that don't own their land are at the mercy of federal government. Those tribes deserve ownership. You take pride in what you own.
What do you mean? You literally said you don't believe in reparations, so by your stance they would get nothing lmao
🤔 my grandmothers mom also came from Oklahoma, we do have a very different sense of humour to others. I also cut my hair when someone close passes. Not sure about you but being around chanting or drum circles really makes my mind & body react differently to any other sounds.
I agree with you bro.
Yes!
Not owning the land you live on is not a “native American” thing. There are very few whites that own the land they live on even tho they think they do. Ownership just doesn’t mean what it used to!
As an African American born and raised here I am just amazed at what I am learning this side of my life about this place we all call home. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for sharing these stories. I remember the first time someone asked me what language "we" spoke at home... I was offended and shocked at the time but now as I learn more about other cultures, especially from Indigenous people, I understand the question and it's sad: I didn't know we had another language.
Many blacks in America have Indigenous ancestors (Jimmy Hendrix is one) and there were many people during the slave era who look African American who were not, they were Indigenous, but pretended to be Black because the Indigenous people were typically treated worse than Blacks at that time. I know there are some in New Orleans. There's so much history of America never taught in schools...it's really interesting.
Yeah, not all “white, red or black where against the injustice of black peoples! I have an Irish American ancestor who died in the Civil War!
The terms of "snowflakes" are invented by USA, so...
-
The reparation question was kind of stupid. They were given their own land and were able to keep their language and culture and they were left alone. Look how well they are doing now as opposed to black people who were messed with from day one, and still were responsible for the growth of this country.
I'm Dutch but I am watching this series with great interest. It's beautiful to get such deep insights into how people live in a community that I didn't even know existed. Thanks for allowing people like me to learn about them.
My ex-wife was Dutch, and I'm German/Cherokee. Dutch women don't eff around! Lol My boy's are blonde headed with my Asian/native American squinty eyes. Lol we made some beautiful boys. The one thing from her we did right.
He failed to mention the Cherokee were called one of the 5 civilized tribes because they took on the belief and culture of the European including the buying and enslaving Black people!
Gen. Stand Watie led a Battalion of Cherokee, Creek and other of the 5 civilized tribe's in battle against the north in the Civil War.
The language is the the key.
My wife and l came from Poland and we made sure to teach our kids Polish. The language makes who you are.
Make sure to cook them galumpkis and other polish foods and keep those traditions alive the way my grandmother did for my family, as she was of polish ancestry.
Polish is a beautiful language. Wish I could read it. Heard Polish literature is really something else.
I love the mountains. I've moved all over, but nowhere compares to the mountains of West Virginia. Peaceful nature, cheap housing, extremely clean air, very little light pollution where you can count thousands of stars, and the people will break their back to help a neighbor.
ive never been to WV but its always been a dream. Since i was a child i felt drawn or a coonection there. i have strong Christen beliefs so shouldnt have been going to any tea leaf reader to begin with. Anyway i went to this tealeaf reader ladyfew years back and usually they give vauge info but this lady told me straight out im to find love of my life in a very unusal way in a man from the mountains and all i could think about is this nagging feeling and connection to the mountains of WV tho ive never been there. Now i grew up on an Island East Coast of Canada so no mountains just endless water in all directions around me. Unfortunately bad choices when i was younger I have a criminal record which means im pretty sure ill never be able to go see the mountains in this lifetime
Same. I lived in Asheville NC and had to leave..but my heart still remains there. No place like the mountains. They have a spirit of their own ⛰💞
@@astralygo8989there are mountains in Canada you could go to
When I'm in Wyoming, I get this weird opposite to claustrophobia. When there's no mountains I feel lost.
@@astralygo8989 pei is lame
Hi Peter,
My husband and I met you on the trail that leads to Mingo Falls. You were interviewing the gentleman. Cherokee, N.C. is a beautiful place. We can't wait to return. . We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to meet you. We love your amazing videos Blessings,
Peter's guests always mention that he feels like a friend to them at some point in the videos. Because he's real, he's authentic and you just can't fake that. Such a subtle but crucial element of why his work is so profound.
I’ve noticed that! They consider him a friend by the end of it. Peter is a real one that’s for sure. You definitely can’t fake that. You can see that he genuinely cares to learn about these people and places
im sure hes a good actor also if he was mean and bitter probably wouldnt work as well
You can tell when someone is acting, he’s a great person and people know he’s real. When they say it, it’s from the heart
@@outofbounds218 Yes, and if he was bitter... he wouldn't last. The work he does is exhausting. It's something you can only do if you have a passion for it and a genuine curiosity about people, and frankly a love for people.
I went to school about 40 minutes from cherokee and it was my favorite place to go to. I even got to take a Cherokee language course while at school and I really fell in love with the history, mythology, and language of the tribe. Thank you for showing this place the love and attention it deserves.
As a native North Carolinian I totally appreciate this story and for sharing with the world how beautiful this state truly is! My Dad’s family is from the “mountains” of North Carolina, specifically Murphy, NC and it’s amazing how some families have persevered the family land and are so gracious to allow those of us who grew up in the “city”, as my Dad’s older relatives would refer to the family members who moved out of the mountains to find jobs in the textile industry down in the piedmont area of the state back in the early 1920’s and ’30’s. They are so close to the Cherokee community and I can remember going there when I was a kid in the 70’s and it was so different, but they were always so happy and so welcoming and so grateful for everything they have…so now they have prospered and are sharing their fruits with the non Native Americans just speaks to the tribe and the people who make up their tribe! I think the reason they are so successful is because they have been doing the right thing for so long even when it wasn’t profitable for them and they never quit…they were steadfast and they continued to grow and thrive by staying true to themselves and their values as a nation! So, again thank you to anyone who is a tribal member for sharing your beautiful stories and your land with the rest of us, I’m honored that you have made it possible for me to enjoy as well as my family and the generations before me and those that will follow! May peace and prosperity continue to thrive and may love always prevail! ❤
As a Murphy native, you have been deceived.
@@sj1345 Nope. This has been my experience and what I’ve witnessed! I’m sure everyone has a different perspective or experience but it doesn’t necessarily mean anyone has been deceived!
I'm at pilot mountain amd I never realized how much more beautiful places we have here in NC. I found alot of arrow heads in great shape when we plowed to farm tobacco so I've always been curious if there was a tribe by my house here amd who they were, I never knew how to find out but would love to if anyone knows how to get that kind of information
Absolutely, beautifully said!!!
You sound like a wonderful person. I'm glad I share the planet with you. NC is a beautiful state as well as Tennessee
When I was a child, when my family went on vacation to Gatlinburg we often went over to visit Cherokee. What a splendid change! Thank you so much, Dylan, for this tour of the Boundary and for showing and explaining to us how successfully and beautifully the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have developed and preserved their land and economy. I wish you and them continuing success, health and happiness. Peter, your documentaries are absolutely the best I've ever seen. Keep up the excellent work!
Yup, got married in Gatlinburg and during honeymoon spent several days around Cherokee. Driving over the mountains are breathtaking. I remember going to Cherokee museum and all the little shops. My favorite peices of jewelry come from Cherokee. At least once a year we go there. The mountains, big blue skies with fluffy white clouds...one of the most beautiful places on earth. October during peak autumn season is magical.
@@Pixieshade You're so right. A beautiful place with really good folks.
I hope Peter realises how important is channel is to us outside America. It gives me here in Wales UK an insight into the lives of so many people and cultures . A big thank you to Dylan as well , as always interesting, informative and entertaining . A great interview well done Peter and Dylan. Good luck to Dylan and this family , i hope his daughter gets to travel one day .
Yep here in NC it’s pretty nice
@@everybodyclapyourhands4742 🙏👏🏴 hi from Pembrokeshire West Wales UK to you all in NC
im in the uk and have cherokee friends there and i really really dont think these places should be publicised . places only stay ok cos nobody knows about them. its being wrecked there as we speak but YT will only speed that up.
Hi from limerick Ireland 🇮🇪
@@michaelj2528technology is amazing it can connect someone from Wales to someone in NC within seconds
You all are restoring my faith in humanity. Thank you for your kind words!
Pete, I’m 22 and grew up in East Tennessee. Your recent dive into Appalachia’s history means a lot to me and younger audience too. (Your inner city stuff a few years back is what gripped me) The great smoky mountains are my life, but Went to school in Knoxville , so I got to experience inner city life as well. would love to see some more of the mountains make into the series. ALSO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING THE CHEROKEE. Believe it or not the natives here have a deep respect for then.
You are not the natives
They are
You stole their land
I know because my last name is Cowan
Cowan brothers of Bristol
Grew up on chestnut hill next door to the Kings
That land was stolen from the real native people
Respect you say?
Get a clue
Learn the real history
I’m from Knoxville and I agree. These videos are wonderful.
Everyone in East Tennessee definitely respects the Cherokee culture. I live in knoxville also. So much so that almost all families , black or white , claim Cherokee ancestry. Some have Cherokee blood , some wished they had it and a few actually do , but a lot claim that ....my mama's grandmother was full or half. ...just like me.😅I do have some proof. It really doesn't matter everyone respects the Eastern Band of Cherokee and they do deserve it. My family used to go through Cherokee every year to decorate my grandparent's family Graves and it has grown so much.
I'm not sure why indigenous Europeans always larp on being 1/16th native American😂 I'm 100% European and happy about it. The problem is my people forget who we were before modern times. Strange thing really.❤❤
@@RunninUpThatHillh I am 100% Native American... Born and raised here in the USA. I wonder what the inner circles of your European country would say about you if you went back there and claimed your 100% European? My wife is a green card permanent resident alien from Germany, and even she doesn't dare say shes 100% German (even though she is) to Germans, since she's lived in the USA for 50 years, and knows virtually nothing about Germany.
The caliber of your documentaries is remarkable, Peter. It's an amazing testament to who you are. A fellow human with genuine curiosity, respectful, good-faith intentions a camera and microphone. It gives me great hope and satisfaction that so many people are drawn to your channel. It tells me that there are millions of people who would rather experience authentic and raw content with substance rather than rote scripted, over produced noise with biased angles.
Peter, your minimalist interview technique works so well.
Just letting people tell their story is so informative.
Agree!
Please keep my daddy in your prayers. He had a major stroke a month ago and it has affected his whole left side. We're happy to say he just came home from rehab a week ago. Specifically for the return of the eyesight in his eyes. Thank you ya'll and God bless ❤
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Speak a psalm to your dad state any issues then speak the goodness of God to the issue. He will recover in Jesus name Amen. 🙏 🙂
Can I send some money please
Prayers are going up at this very moment for your dad. God bless.
Sending positive healing energy, blessings and prayers ..Blessed be to your Daddy, you and your family my sister..☯️LOVE & LIGHT from Pittsburgh PA..💛🖤💛❤️
(TheGoOdGreEnWiTcH🌎🌊🔥🌬️)May your God,God’s,Goddesses or Higher Power be with you always..
This Appalachia series has been amazing and awesome. The information from this series is mind blowing, Dylan is a great represenative of his Cherokee people, great job. Peter thanks for letting Dylan tell his story and the story of his people.
Dylan's story may not be our story. He is Western Cherokee. Wonder how long he's been here?
Kenneth, USA government broke every Treaty with its native people. Every 4 years the Department of Interior announces the Increasing Debt they owe to the native peoples for use of their land over the years. It's over $150 Billion today, but no initiative among White Christian America to pay that debt. Christian peoples almost never behave like Christ! And this guy does not represent Indians well!
I'm Scottish born and bred, but have always dreamed of travelling around the landscapes of North America, seeing what different places feel like. Thank you for feeding my curiosity until I get out there. Absolutely fascinating. 💛💚💙
when you come, visit me, in in los angeles and can show you my favorite spots across the state. ain't no place like california despite all the negative you hear
@@amandaburleson2035
People have been making fun of California for DECADES. That's quite alright. They can just stay away. We don't need energy like that here. 😅❤
@@pinkythechihuahua3156 whats your favorite spot in cali? i really like SLO. and theres a few parks
Southwest Va should be a stop for you. Abingdon, Marion, Rural Retreat, Saltville. Alot of history here.
For landscapes try Wikipedia article about Caledonian orogeny.
I'm literally amazed. This is beyond definition of respectfull, professional documentary. I've never seen a host who is so charizmatic and invisible at the same time. Let people talk and story will unfold.
10/10 and I really hope you will get all the F awards for documentary on the YT.
I don't watch TV anymore. I watch ppl like you. Thank you.
I totally agree with you I never turn on my TV. I am on RUclips all the time. I love peters channel so much. He brings so much adventure and is so nice and polite doing it.
and can you believe its built on the pockets of addicts no different then a cartel
I'm hooked on RUclips and all the wonderful things I learn about native people's. I'm blessed to have found your channel!!
I’m From New Albany, Indiana and the “Boat Casino” Is In Elizabeth,Indiana and it’s called Caesars Casino and Only Some Of The Casino “Was” on a house boat but no longer is. It’s Just A Normal Big Building And Casino With A Hotel Attached To It. Never Knew The Cherokee Owned It.
I've been visiting this area for forty years- actually recognized a lot of the roads. The difference in how the Cherokee are living is absolutely remarkable. Great film!
Same, except im only 28, been to Cherokee many times since I was a kid and it’s always beautiful. I live about two hours from there
Man this is the best series on RUclips in my opinion. Wishing everyone well! Stay healthy and safe!
In 2000 I had a Full blood Cherokee neighbor who walked out of those mountains at 15. She made good. When I knew her she was 80yrs old. Times have changed for the better since she was young. She is long gone but this video has shown me where she came from and I know she would be pleased that conditions for the Cherokee have improved. Another video that has made me cry.
Tears of both Joy & Sadness ❤❤
Pete, in my world, I would use you to replace every news out fit in the world. True journalism, informative and enlightening, without bias.
A point of clarification as someone who lives in Knoxville, which is the largest big city to Cherokee North Carolina… The gas station with 120 pumps that they were referring to is in an area near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that is wholly owned as far as the land goes by the eastern band of the Cherokee. I think the plan is for them eventually to build a second casino right off the interstate there, and basically massively increase their profits but they do hold a giant chunk of land over here by Knoxville and good for them
Cool, the only casino I'd been near is Havasu peoples, AZ.
The gas station is Buceess
@@mikebonom yes. I couldn’t get Siri to type it out correctly, so I just went with gas station rather than it looks silly.
Casinos rely on 'white' man's money. This money will soon dissipate and casinos will die out. The 'weed' factories too will become a burden upon the poor 'white' trash who are shunned in their own country by everyone foreign because of treasonous, treacherous parasitic rich elites who have taken over rule of government in the USA. The origins of the USA by those who founded it and shed their blood for it are being erased due to hatred of the so-called 'white' man and the culture that built the USA. Agreed though, Anglo men and women have been beaten down mentally and physically by domestic enemies who are determined to erase the Anglo-Saxon nation from the map.
I'm not real happy with this whole casino thing.
Cherokee NC is one of my most favorite places on earth, I have been three time and need to go back. It is so beautiful. There is a feeling in the air it is hard to describe.
After seeing this video, its definetly on my list. Hoping to move to NC anyways so id love to take a trip. Surrounded by mountains it looks gorgeous, im kinda jealous
Fresh air.
This guys channel is so diverse and educational. I could watch his content for hours.
He has 298 videos, so go for it!
I do watch him for hours!
Ilove his videos lol
Best wholesome channel on RUclips 💯🙏🏽
Been going to Cherokee all my life, and im 55. It has gotten so much better over the years. Love trout fishing there.
For 36 years our home has been in Western North Carolina close to Cherokee. For the last 24 years we've lived @ 3800 ft elevation looking over three mountain ranges and it has been a blessing. Thank you for filming in our neck of the woods. We never want to take it for granted.
It’s not your neck of the woods just because you buy a house and move here, honestly people will stand in one spot for ten minutes and start calling themselves local
I live in raleigh!
Very thankful to live in these mountains most of my life. We can only change the present and honor the first people who inhabited these mountains before us by respecting the land and the people. We intend to do both.
Wow! Peter! That was FASCINATING! I'm 62 and studied Indian-American Relations at UT-Knoxville in the early 80's. We met with tribal leaders in Cherokee, toured the high school, etc. etc., and SO MUCH has changed! This was SO informative and interesting. THANK YOU for filming and allowing and helping Dylan tell his story. Loved it! Teresa (Nashville)
Indian-American? LOL Indians are from India - Native Americans are American
@@diydiva3190 never heard it said, “American Indian”? just because someone’s vocabulary is different from yours doesn’t make it okay for you to laugh at them and think you know it all above them. These folk even call themselves Indian. The man at the end mentioned His granny and said how she spoke and sung in Indian. The fellow didn’t say speaking and singing in American or Native American. The fella said Indian.
54:54
Even the hospital’s sign literally says “Cherokee Indian Hospital”
58:25
My class mate who is indigenous to the Pacific NW refers to herself as Indian and by her tribe. She is 29.
I am in Albuquerque, close to Navajo and other native populated lands. I studied traditional ways with a Micmac elder when I was on the east coast in Virginia, the elder lived in eastern Canada. I am compassionate and respectful, but I don't play “PC” games very well. I refer to a native person, as a native person, or by whatever and however they tell me they want to be called. “Friend” is the best. I refer to persons from the subcontinent of India as “Indians" then I say, "dots not feathers”, and people always get it what I am saying. I don't use it the other way through. Native people are people, and I like people.
@@viviennedunbar3374 why should Indian people be okay with people referring to something they are not?
Dylan is so respectful and well spoken of his people. I've really enjoyed learning from him. I also love a culture that respects women the way that he clearly does. Thank you for coming on the channel and teaching all of us. Keep doing great things Dylan.
I thought the same until he disrespected the elder. Didn’t like the “know it all” attitude. Even if he was right, he should have not reacted in that way.
@@jns447 he didn't disrespect him, he was defending his land, this is a video and if he let it stand the lie he was telling we would think the guy help doing the video is a liar
@@sheliafarmer i just saw him defending his pride. Against an elder. He had presented his version, let the old man speak. Don’t argue.
My grandma is Cherokee from Oklahoma I've never looked into much on her side. My tribe is from North Fork CA.
Found this on the situation about who owns the land.....Though it is commonly referred to as the Cherokee Indian Reservation, the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary is technically not a reservation because individual tribal members hold title to about eighty percent of the land. Because the land is held in a federal trust, it cannot be sold except to other tribal members.
Just an opinion I feel the fed should have no right to anything, especially Native American land. For people who don't know, there's proof that Native Americans were officially here even when other Natives of other regions migrated into this region. This land is rightfully there's there's zero need to have the fed involved with what land they are to have. What I stated of Native Americans officially being here even when other tribes migrated is true fact. It's their land bottom line.
You’re somewhat contradicting yourself. How can the tribal family hold title and the federal government also? The land is designated Indian Country and the title is half by the federal government in trust for the allottee. As it passes down through generations, living, direct descendants on equal share to the property so disposing of it requires 100% agreement from all, which rarely ever happens. Having the deed in the name of the federal government protect the tribe from state oversight, so it’s actually a good thing for them
The trusteeship protects the land from being sold to outsiders which would eventually destroy the community
L@@joegrande4848
But...history happens wars are fought and land is taken... this is normal...why are the first nations immune to this...
Many French and Germans on their border disagree who is who...after ww2 some French became German and germans became French... happens everywhere...
The natives lost the battles..the USA became a nation and everyone was absorbed...
Being from Knoxville, TN, We've been to Cherokee so many times via the Smoky Mountains and we've always wondered how the community lived. We just always assumed Cherokees were private people where outsiders weren't welcome except to spend money in their town. Peter's time with Dylan has completely changed my point of view and has made me proud to live in the same region as the Cherokee people. I have shared this with so many people. In my opinion, Dylan was Peter's best interview.
I live in Knoxville as well and have always enjoyed a nice drive thru and around Cherokee.
Dylan was able to spend time with Peter, to share hidden gems concerning Native Americans from his knowledge of history. Other interviews, like the group of young men, especially the historian deep in the mountains and good ole Titus!!!
God bless America!!! May God restore the Native Americans throughout the nation.
Well put and I'm the same.
All the reservations Peter visited the people he interacted with are all amazing. Warm kind welcoming people. I'm hoping to see ones on the First Nation tribes like M'ikmaq and the other tribes.
Not at all. In fact people in Cherokee love visitors (it’s their livelihood) and sharing their culture with anyone who will listen. Check out the museum in Cherokee and the village in the summer. You’ll get to see firsthand how the Cherokee lived and you might be even more surprised to find out it wasn’t all that different than the white man.
This format of communication is so much more human than the for-profit media. The value of the small press was known at this country’s founding and is beginning to be found again in human social media producers.
Really enjoyed the approach, editing, consistent story line, pristine audio, nice color balance, absence of exploitation, and ….
Productions like this do not happen by accident. Bravo and know your commitment to excellence is obvious.
You did it again, Peter! Bringing the human spirit to light. So proud of the Cherokee Nation and the effort to bring back the language.
Never leave Appalachia Peter you will have me as a viewer until I’m dead. The series has been amazing.
same!
You're seeing the good. Living in relative isolation as a homeowner makes you vulnerable to the inordinate amount of drug addicts, but our addicts are locksmiths, tech gurus, and builders. They'll find a way to steal ur shit and it's easy to hide. I live and work in Appalachia, and my family has been here since 1780, but my Native ancestors for thousands
@@25oxendinedrug addicts are worst. Government should just imprison them for life
@@bendover-bz4bc No, racists are actually worse! I saw your racist comments in another comment section and you've been reported. You're ignorance is disgusting, and will get you no where in life.
I've have vacationed in Gatlinburg, TN several times in my life, and I've been fortunate enough to spend time in Cherokee 3 or 4 times. I didn't know any of what was shared in this video. Amazing. I would suggest to anyone visiting the town to watch the Trail of Tears play that is hosted there. Thank you for this video, it was very educational to me.
Yes, it's called "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama. Very good and like 30+ years running. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian there is also great to visit!
PLEASE go back and watch the Stickball Tournament in the fall @Peter Santenello. We need a follow up :) Thank you Dylan for showing us your home and for teaching me about your culture
Such a great episode! I used to go to the casino in Cherokee such a beautiful area. If you ever go back, stop by Joey’s pancakes and Maggie Valley, you won’t be disappointed.
I honestly don't know how one hour goes by so quickly, but I think that's just a testament to just how well made and engrossing Peter's videos are. I literally could've sat through another hour of this
You need a job😂😂
@@blackdonte24it’s better that people spend their time learning by watching great documentary type content like this rather than garbage dating shows or reality tv.
Let me get this straight? He is encouraging his daughter to be on benefits for her future adult work life… bring on the depression…she’ll have no self worth…. And the weed? It’ll ruin things…seen it here in Washington state with weed and casinos…. The natives do HARM…don’t get any other ideas… they hurt societies.
I think its his wife editing:)
@@84CORVETTEBILLThe profits from the casino aren't government benefits. And I think you harmed the native societies more than they will ever harm yours.
The part where he talked about why his parents didn't speak or teach him their native language hits close to home for me. All of my grandparents were Cajun French. When they were children, free mandatory school became a thing. Along with the mandate to not speak the only language they knew. They were beaten, and ridiculed by the school staff and other students alike if they were caught speaking their native tounge. When my grandparents on my father's side had children, they decided to americanize our French last name. Growing up I knew that we all pronounced our last name very differently in regards to parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. But we used the original pronunciation when referring to, or talking to mawmaw, and pawpaw. They also never spoke Cajun French in front of us, unless they had something to say to each other that they didnt want us to understand. I never really thought to question why this was until my mid 30's. After learning the history I was heart broken. Although we participated in many traditions from my cultural heritage growing up, they were not given to us as a part of our heritage. As far as I knew this was American traditions. I think if we would have been taught how these things were deep rooted in our history, maybe we could have held onto them. I can't imagine the pain my grandparents felt making the decision not to pass on all these precious gifts, that had been taught for generation after generation. The only part that I feel completely rooted in is the food. To which I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up eating. There are some communities in Louisiana that still hold on to our ancestors way of life. Although its tough trying to raise children in the ways of old, while living in this modern world. Sorry for rambling on, I felt like I needed to get this out. So my heart goes out to this man trying to hold onto his dying traditions.
Same my grand parts spoke Cajun French. Wish I knew it. -Ian n.o.l.a. m 30
Is there not a “mother land” where your people originate from? There IS where you will find your culture thriving & surviving. This HERE is that man’s peoples “mother-land” I imagine way more scarce there others “home” original lands.
While working in that Area the locals told me the same as well.
@@wiztribe Not as most people think of a mother land. My ancestors were forced to leave LA Cadie, or Acadia, which is now Nova Scotia Canada, in the 1700's by Great Britain. France and Great Britain had both been fighting over the area and ownership had changed hands between them multiple times. In the mid 1700's Britain didn't like the fact that my ancestors would not swear their allegiance to the king of England. Besides not having anything to do with this fight between France and England, the king wanted us to go to war with the native people of the area. The same natives that we had become allies, and by multiple generations of intermarriage, and family. Great Britain did horrible things to them, and after 10 or so years they were forced to leave. They came to what's now Louisiana. So we've been here for twice as long as we've been anywhere else.
my grandma would speak it regularly in the house. surprised i didnt naturally pick it up as a second language as the entire household (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles) all spoke it and spoke it well. they would mainly talk in cajun french so we couldnt understand them lol
Thank you for saying, “I feel like I owe my ancestors something”, my great grandmother was full blood Cherokee and I feel the same way. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I’ve been to Cherokee and love it there! I actually recently got a job and moving to Sevierville so I’m close to home! Keep the good work! I love you videos and I’m new to watching! Thank you for coming and showing Appalachian people!
In fact, everyone in this country should have that perspective, no matter which of the groups you spawned out of, and whatever issues there were previously, in the end, it's thanks to these people and the struggles they all went through that we now have what we do. The sad part is how we'll take what they all went through and then turn around and make a mockery of it and ruin it in so many ways. The lack of appreciation is concerning.
I recently discovered my great- grandmother was Eastern Cherokee, too. We were always told she was a Native American, but nobody knew what tribe until I researched our family tree. My DNA test confirms it and put me in touch with many cousins. The history is so rich; my Cherokee ancestors fought in the Civil War and even the Revolutionary War. I've been able to trace this back to the 1700, and still going! I'm amazed at what a wonderful people Cherokee are/ were and proud to call them my ancestors.
Do whites owe their ancestors anything?
Or just minorities?
I'm an ex-felon and can't get a passport to leave the country so I live vicariously through your videos. I watch a lot of videos on all different types of things and I truly feel like you're the best at what you do!!
You can get a passport. You just can't go to Canada.
I love going to Cherokee NC. The indigenous are some of the friendliest people you could have the privilege to meet. I first went through the area in the mud 70s and just about cried later in the 80s there was noticeable improvements but when they built the Casino the changes were spectacular The council really did their homework and put their people first. I'm very proud to take anybody up when I go camping and walking in the Smokies that we have this great tribe in North Carolina. I've been out West and saw the mismanagement of some Rez's, some are following this management style which makes my heart smile. Great show Pete.
It's really not hard to be friendly when you are born with this much entitlement and privilege... If they actually cared about anybody besides their own tribe, including other Native Americans living in poverty with no casino money, they would share the money instead of giving every member half a million dollars so they pretty much will never have to do any real work for the rest of their lives.
@@Chezzy79why are they entitled and privileged tho?
@Chezzy79 why should they have to give away money that is earned fairly by them? That is in itself entitled thinking. They owe nobody anything. If they want to do something they can but nobody is owed anything in life.
@@Chezzy79 they do not have to give any of "their" money away, since it belongs to their tribe. Keep your socialism to yourself. However, it would be nice to see them try to help other Cherokee tribes, or even other native tribes, become as successful as they are, and that does not necessarily mean they have to give any of them money.
@Cheezy79
It's not to/for them(Eastern Cherokee)to distribute what they have created for their tribe(people) when ALL TRIBES have the same opportunity.
A lot of tribal lands are mismanaged by their own people who are corrupt..that is a fact, research it! However those that have an input by the people of that tribe can adopt the same principles as the Eastern Cherokee and many,many Tribes that have thrown out corrupt leaders and put forth a concerted effort to take their existence into the forefront to preserve their heritage and to provide for their children and their children's children. I witnessed the change from a place of poverty to building a society with a Gambling Casino that provides Concert Venues, Business to the area..but the important issue is this..they went forth with the premise to provide for their people , do the right thing and lift themselves out of poverty. They are self sufficient! Something not only Indigenous Americans have accomplished but it should be seen as an example for All people (citizens) of America. Take care of yourself & yours which brings forth PRIDE in self. GOD(Great Spirit) Bless Them.
This channel is like food for my soul. And kudos to Natalia for her amazing editing skills. Love you both 🙏
Awww thank you 🥰
Born and raised in NC and remember how bad things were back years ago. So happy to see Cherokee doing so well they deserve it.
This guy is smart, he wants his daughter to travel for 2 years before they go to college. Travel is its own education.
Very true, we can learn a LOT via travel, not to say all do sadly!
Definitely. I wandered all around East Europe in '99. The people are so warm and friendly, and I learn a lot about the history and people. When you talk to the locals and get away from the tourist shit you get to know them.
MUCH RESPECT to the Cherokee people!!!!
Me too
Amazing. The Eastern Band has their act together! It’s incredible to see a community truly thriving. I’m also partial to the mountains, streams, fertile grounds and green land. It seems to me that from survival to flourishing is made easier in this part of the country. This episode is a combo of Appalachia & Native People, 2 series that I am truly thankful to you for pursuing & sharing. Thanks Peter!
I hope these Cherokee can buy a lot more land, and make new land acquisitions as beautiful as what they already own.
But forget the white tourists and gambling 😂
Maybe the ex-coalminers need to be granted a permit to build a casino. I wonder how casino revenues will be affected after all the baby boomers "age out" of tourism.
Fantastic journalism. That’s how the good and bad should be covered by the media, and you Peter are doing a sacred job. Keep up the amazing work. I love 2.5 hrs south of Cherokee, in GA, and Cherokee region is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the South. You found a wonderful genuine partner to this video. Thank you both.
And probably richer than you
@@nixwestlake9196Are you really that hateful? It’s just an observation from someone who actually believes in using good manners and being humble about my own privileges.
Every time I see a comment like yours, I cringe at the thought of someone who is so ignorant that they really believe that they can just say or do whatever they want online WITH ANY CONSEQUENCES.
@@fishercourt 😂😂😂 that’s rich. Good manners, being humble and polite is synonymous with asking someone you do not know if they’re “really that hateful? “. Check yourself ✅
I like how he got a different view from someone else other than the person who gave him the "Korean Tour"😮
I could watch Peter"s travel videos all day long.
He should do an interview with the older Cherokee who actually lives on that land and was raised on the tribal land,Seems like an interesting man
I live in OK and am a Cherokee tribal member here. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’m so proud of of how far we have come. The trauma from the removal still exists but we are beginning to heal. I would say in the past 20 years we have came a long way. Our heath system especially. We now have Cherokee immersion schools and an amazing show called Osiyo TV. I recommend everyone to check it out. Wado for the video!
No shit. We have so many other Cherokee businesses too. I know there’s something funny with the state and the tribal contracts. I feel like Stitt is against us.
Our friends are Cherokee from OK originally from where this video takes place their parents. One lady was removed from her parents in the early 1900s. Then the other one, her dad was both Wyandotte and Cherokee. Her grandfather was also taken away from the tribe and moved to a residential building for children. We haven't figured out much more than that.
My Dad didn’t teach us his first language Spanish for the same reasons. He didn’t want us to go through what he went through not speaking English as a kid but I wish he would have because I’d be a lot more fluent than I am now and living in California and knowing Spanish can be beneficial and also get you more pay at most jobs.
Peter seriously makes the best documentaries on RUclips!
This guy is like the Joe Rogan of YT tourisim/documentaries
@@cybersechs1368Best comparison I’ve heard so far.
@@cybersechs1368 SO MUCH BETTER than JR!!
A year ago I was traveling up to the Great Smoky Mountains through the western part of North Carolina and it was my first time passing through some of the small towns and cities and I didn’t know what to expect when I got to Cherokee. And when I got there I was amazed at how clean the streets were and their landscapes were beautiful with their mosaics. Even what was cool about that place was that their street signs had both Cherokee and English written on them.
I love what that man said at the beginning of the video, “You can take a boy out of the mountains but you can’t take the mountains out of the boy”
I live in a beautiful area Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountains. There are no Native Americans and the area is super clean with beautiful homes.
I was in Cherokee working on a movie in Maggie Valley. Magical place Cherokee is.
Agree with the last line. This place is mesmerizing ❤
Whoa! What the guy said at 5:52 really hit hard as an Irish person. Our language was basically driven out by the English invasion. We still cling to it as it’s on our street signs, government forms and taught in school but we don’t really speak it outside of that, save for a few small areas in the west.
Ya there are huge advantages to using English as our primary language but what are we losing by not keeping Irish alive. Love your videos, have seen a whole other side to the US through you.
I think language is just one part of who people are and not all that a person is
@@benedictcumberbatch4275 Doesn't that sound a little facetious? It's still terrible to lose one's language, and it's undeniable that language is as important to a people as their culture.
As an African American yes what that guy said hit hard!
England = the real Romans ruling the world.
When you know another language you see the world as the people who speak that language see the world. Every language is unique and has a worldview expressed by it. When you lose a language or a language dies you cannot express that worldview in the same way. There are many words, idioms and ideas that are unique to every language which tell you about the people who speak it.
Huge respect for Native Americans!
Thank you so so much Peter for showing us the Native American communities from detailed & distinct perspectives than the mainstream media which has always obscured them from view.
Please continue the Native American series!
they arent Americans.
I'm a Cree from Treaty 6 territory in what is now called Canada. I have traveled and visited the lands of the Seminole nation in Florida and noticed many characteristics that are shared with fellow Indigenous peoples of what is called north america today. I truly appreciate the perspectives you've provided us Peter by your candid conversations, insightful questions, your perspective and societal perspectives to clear away misconceptions and draw us closer together. I'm so curious about the Heatlh situation and what is happening that makes an incredibly beautiful facility sit mainly unused due to "not good" doctors(?). Does the nation have an interest in traditional medicinal practices mixed with western medicine? would have loved to see more (if possible) on cultural practices of the people, elders perspectives, etc. We truly are a wild mix of experiences as Indigenous peoples, and yes, the murdered and missing women is a serious issue for us in Canada and all our communities. Maybe Peter can dig deeper into that issue and see what solutions (?) will resolve this.
Great suggestion
travel is fatal to prejudice
How is it that I have just found this channel today??
So amazing. I'm so glad I'm retired....I have a ton of time to watch!
Happiest memories of my childhood were on that reservation. Summers there as a kid were pure magic.
Feels like this channel just popped into my feed out of nowhere and is blowing up (and well deserved). I've binged a few of your vids now and they're absolutely fascinating.
Being from the industrial North of England, and now settled with a family in the Welsh Valleys- the stories of these coal mining communities really resonates with me. The similarities are so striking and frankly, makes me really want to visit. Top work Peter
As an American, I’m in the same boat. I’ve been seeing this Appalachian series pop up out of no where and I’ve been binging these hard the last 2 days. I love it.
I grew up in rural Hudson Valley/Catskills, New York until college and have lived and worked in SoCal, Summit County, CO and Denver, CO. I have settled in Central TX now and watching these videos make me sad that I’ve grown up a mere 8-12 hours away without ever experiencing these Appalachian towns/cultures. Makes me want to leave Texas.
Yeah. Many early settlers were from western Europe for sure. Scots irish and English. I've both roots. ❤
Appalachian people have a deep Celtic past, many folk songs still sung to this day came from Northern England/Scotland. Some of the language still used in Appalachia has a lot of Old English and Scottish roots.
Peter, I am so glad I found your channel. I’m learning so much about America. It’s absolutely nuts. They should be showing your videos to kids in school to learn what real America is like. I appreciate you and your channel and helping me expand my brain.😊
Your Comment is up there with one of the Best ones I've read on here' well Said ✨🏆✨👏
I live 20 minutes away from Cherokee. Such a beautiful part of this country. I'm enjoying these Appalachian videos since I grew up here in the Appalachian mountains (West Virginia). Good stuff Peter! Keep up the excellent work!
I love this! I live on the other side of the mountain from Cherokee in Sevierville TN and i love spending the day in Cherokee shopping and eating and learning all about the Cherokee people. My grandma was part Cherokee and I love learning about it! Cherokee is a beautiful place with beautiful people!
Man, this touched my heart. Keep doing what you're doing, Peter. Showing the world that good-hearted folk are all around, if you take the time to look.♥
For those who can’t afford to travel our world and learn about all the cultures out there we have Peter santenello 😀😀😀 so happy I found this channel ❤️
That land is absolutely beautiful. Peter, you always get the best insiders to show us around and provide real personal insight into these places and cultures that we have heard about, but maybe have not or will never get a chance to see or visit. You're awesome.
This video brought tears to my eyes, it was somewhat overwhelming. Another great one, grazie mille Peter
That was PHENOMENAL!!!
I have goosebumps.
This little ole Canadian woman is simply blown away at this experience.
Thanks to you BOTH for it.
Blessed . I feel blessed. 🇨🇦
I pray my Cherokee brothers can still thrive and progress and go on hopefully one day the rest of us can get ahead like our brothers, greetings from the Jatibonicu Taino Tribal Nation of Boriken ( Puerto Rico 🇵🇷) seneko kakona Cherokee nitiao.
( Abundant blessings to our Cherokee friends)
It's funny how it's stated natives only reside in North, Central and South America 🤣
Imagine what could be done with the federal tax revenue that is laundered & squandered.
I LOVED THIS STORY! Thank you Peter and Dillon for showing us successful Natives and communities! As a Native from OK, I loved the positivity in this video. Much love❤️
I'm 53 years old and I would love to be able to go with you on a road trip, but my dog would have to come lol. He's a 5 year old wheaten terrier and he's the most awesome dog a man could ever have, a true gift from heaven.
Aw, North Carolina; truly one of my favorite states in the union! It's land and people are truly beautiful! Thank you for covering this content Peter.
The world is a better place because of you, Peter. Truly. I have learned more about this country (and others) from your videos than I have in a textbook.
He is one of the most gracious host I have ever witnessed. No matter where he is, he is never judgemental, just reporting. May God bless this man and his family.
Peter, I wish the NEWS was as honest as your videos. Thank you very much .
This Appalachian series is by far, my most favorite history learning videos. Thank you so much Peter and all the people you talked to. ❤
He was a great tour guide, kept it real and was very knowledgeable. We went to the area when I was a kid to see the history and the tourist spots. Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing this conversation and tour.