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Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians
The Cher-O-Creek, Intra Tribal Indians bloodlines are composed of more than one Native Blood of the Five Civilized Tribes indigenous to the State of Alabama, primarily Creek and Cherokee.  Many of Cher-O-Creek members have both Creek and Cherokee bloodlines.

In the 1820's and 1830's, the United States pressured the Southeast Indian nations to cede their homelands and move westward.  The tribes that didn't go voluntarily were forced to go by the Indian Removal Act.  But, there were fragments and remnants of the Five Civilized Tribes who avoided the Removal by escaping into the woodlands and mountains, marriage to white settlers and trappers/hunters.  And, some escaped by living among the Freedom people as "Black Dutch" or "Black Irish".  All the while, they were denying their American Indian bloodlines.  Many stopped speaking their native language to avoid their young ones being heard speaking their native language.  All the children were cautioned to avoid answering questions when asked about their families.

The Creek and Cherokee were excellent farmers and hunters.  They planted their crops in the fertile bottom land along the rivers, creeks, streams and lakes.  Their crops flourished and became their financial resources.  They were farmers first and hunters second.

Prior to the Removal, the Creek and Cherokee families enjoyed a lifestyle of living in nice homes, dressing in fine clothes and wearing elegant jewelry.  Their children were educated by tutors and the missionaries.  Children were taught to respect their elders, good behavior, and to care for Mother Earth and the animals by their Elders and "extended" families.  The tribe took care of their widows, elderly, orphan children and the disabled.

As time passed, the general society became more acceptable and tolerant of the Indians living in their communities.  The missionaries and Catholic people encouraged our people to affiliate with their churches.

The society's acceptance and tolerance was the beginning for the Indians to feel less afraid of the "white" man.  By word of mouth, the local Indians began to meet together to "share" what they could remember of their heritage.  From group meetings, Gatherings began.  Usually, Elders were the ones who could recall the stories, dances, drum, the Cultural and Traditional Ways.  Slowly, as the years have passed, Cher-O-Creek citizen's Indian Pride has returned.   Today, they live in peace with their neighbors.