About the Cherokee Nation Flag
The Cherokee Nation (of Oklahoma) is one of three recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States. It is also the largest tribe with more enrolled members than the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. The flag of the Cherokee Nation was adopted in 1978.
Cherokee Nation Flag Symbolism & History
The Cherokee Nation flag features the seal of the Cherokee Nation on a field of orange surrounded by seven yellow stars with seven points, and a green rope edge. The seal, which was created in 1869 by an executive Act under Chief Lewis Downing, also contains a seven-pointed star inside an orange and green wreath of oak leaves.
The significance of the number seven is for the seven original Cherokee clans, as well as the seven holidays in the Cherokee life cycle and the seven rites of the Native Cherokee religion. The oak wreath symbolizes the eternal flame of the Cherokee people kindled from the wood of the oak. Within the rings of the seal, the date September 6, 1839 recognizes the day the first Cherokee Nation Constitution was signed.
The Cherokee Nation flag was designed by artist Stanley John, a Navajo who was married to a member of the Cherokee Nation, and was approved by the Tribal Council on October 9, 1978. In a resolution of the Cherokee Council on September 9, 1989, a single black star with seven points was added to the upper right corner. This star serves as a constant reminder of the Cherokee who lost their lives when President Andrew Jackson removed the indigenous people from their ancestral lands in the southeast and forced them to make the devastating journey to Oklahoma, known as the “Trail of Tears”.
How to Purchase the Flag of the Cherokee Nation
Available in three standard sizes, our Cherokee Nation flags can be purchased online, or by calling 1-888-697-3524. Each flag is digitally printed on durable, all-weather nylon with a canvas header & brass grommet attachment and reinforced stitching.
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