Day Two

            After the first day here, there are several new impressions I have regarding the Cherokee culture.  One correction I need to make is that the Cherokee do not consider their land a ‘reservation’, they consider their land a Qualla Boundary.  They do not consider it a reservation because prior to the trail of tears, they owned the land.  Once the trail of tears came through, the Cherokee lost their land, and were forced to buy their land back from the government.  William Taylor fought for the Cherokee and bought their land back from England.  In order to be considered a reservation, the Cherokee would of need to receive their land free of charge, or from the government rather than buy their land back.

            The Cherokee Indian Hospital is based upon their culture, beliefs, and rituals.  The pillars are in the shape of trees, symbolizing nature; the floor has multiple colors to resemble the river, sand banks, and rocks.  The contractors of the hospital held community meetings that allowed the community members to share their needs, wants, and desires for the new building.  Each department within the hospital was able to share their needs as well.  The hospital focuses on providing care to the client’s mind, body, and soul in various ways rather than using Western medicine.  The entrance of the hospital is surrounded by windows looking out to a gorgeous mountain view.  This allows the clients to feel at ease in their minds and allowing them to relax.  The nature features allow the clients to feel at home while receiving care.

            One concept I am struggling to wrap my mind around is the policies the Cherokee have regarding their care.  For example, a non-native woman marries a Cherokee man and have a child.  The child and father are considered Cherokee, or Native American, but the mother is not.  However, within the first few days of birth, the child’s genetics are tested through a blood sample.  The percentage of Cherokee in that child’s blood can determine the amount of benefits and financial support they will receive in their future.  Since the mother is not Cherokee, she would not be able to receive care or treatment at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.  I am struggling to wrap my mind around this as it is very similar to the United States during segregation with whites and African Americans. 

            The Cherokee natives are not forced to live in the Qualla Boundary, but if they do they receive excellent benefits that make their health insurance almost free of charge.  If the Cherokee native decides to not live in the boundary, they are referred to as a “direct only”.  Each Cherokee member receives an “Indian card”; this card is very similar to our insurance cards as well as our driver license all in one.  The Indian card contains information such as their name, address, date of birth, tribe they belong to, and their blood sample results of the amount of Cherokee present. This card makes me think of their ticket to treatment, similar to a ticket to get out of jail in the game Monopoly. 

            A tour guide mentioned the Cherokee a very strict with their traditions and beliefs due to the fear of losing their language.  One of the practices they value is the use of family in providing care for a loved one.  The hospitals in Illinois allow the clients to have couches and family visitors.  However, the hospitals here have rooms called “Hospice Room”.  These rooms are similar to hotels with a door adjacent to both rooms.  One room is for the client with a bed and wall full of windows facing the mountains.  The second room is called a “waiting room” filled with chairs, couches, and tables to meet the family’s needs while waiting for their loved one to pass. The hospice rooms allow the Cherokee members to fulfill their final wishes and spend time with their loved ones, as they highly value family.

            One way this culture integrates their heritage to their children is a school program that forces the child and parents to speak Cherokee language only.  The 2000 Census showed that less than 9 percent of those who identified themselves as Cherokee still spoke the language at home (pbs.org, September 2006).  The parents and child both attend the school and sign contracts that strictly state, “we will only speak Cherokee language at home, no other languages.” The goal of this program is to continue the Cherokee language. I think this is a great resource, but may also be an issue for some members.  The Museum of Cherokee Indian displayed a tablet with the Cherokee alphabet.  Each letter has its own symbol and pronunciation, which is very different than the alphabet we use.

            A common theme found in this culture as compared to themes found in Minonk, Illinois, is the bonding among members.  Each Cherokee native assists their family and friends to better themselves and continue their traditions.  The Cherokee work together by electing members to represent their tribe to speak on behalf of them at the community meetings.  This prevents miscommunication and the Cherokee traditions from not being met.

            Today was a day that made me realize the traditions and values I have and how they can become a barrier between my future clients and I.  I realize the importance of having my own values and beliefs, but also the importance of keeping them to myself.  I worry about meeting the client’s needs in clinical this week, but I anticipate to ask several questions in hopes they will be willing to answer.  

Cherokee language and culture. (2006 September). Indian country diaries. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/indiancountry/challenges/cherokee.html