Keywords

history, identity, Cherokee, powwow

Abstract

This thesis looks at the juxtaposition presented by the Eastern Cherokee's struggle to present an accurate historical representation of 'Cherokee' against the backdrop of the more lucrative 'Tourist-ready Indian', influenced by powwow imagery. The thesis gives a brief history of the contemporary powwow, discusses the debates surrounding its intrinsic value to American Indians as historically representative, and then examines the shared elements of Cherokee and powwow history. There is an analysis of the influence of powwow imagery on notions of Cherokee history and its correlation to the expectations of visitors to the Cherokee Reservation. Thus, the author argues that the Eastern Cherokee struggle to accurately transmit their own historical identity outside of powwow imagery, and in doing so, must reconcile the dichotomous relationship of a viable tourist industry that operates on historical misconceptions.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2009

Advisor

Cassanello, Robert

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

History

Degree Program

History

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0002716

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002716

Language

English

Release Date

September 2009

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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History Commons

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