Are There Any Full Blooded Cherokee Left? Exploring Cherokee Heritage Today

Are the Cherokee people extinct? This is a question often asked, but the answer is a resounding no. In fact, Cherokee people continue to thrive in various regions across the United States. One group, known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with approximately 15,000 members, still resides on a portion of their ancestral homeland in the southern Appalachians. Additionally, a significant Cherokee population is found in Oklahoma, where two distinct communities thrive. The larger of these communities is the Cherokee Nation, home to around 300,000 Cherokee individuals. Meanwhile, the United Keetoowah Band, consisting of approximately 15,000 members, also contributes to the enduring Cherokee presence in the region. So, despite the historical challenges they’ve faced, the Cherokee people persist and maintain their cultural heritage in these diverse communities throughout the country.

The Cherokee people today are organized into seven distinct clans, forming a vital part of their traditional social structure. These Cherokee clans have a rich history dating back to ancient times, and while some customs have evolved over the years, many traditionalists continue to uphold the customs associated with these clans, particularly in matters related to marriage and various social events. To answer the question “How many Cherokee clans are there today?” there are indeed seven recognized Cherokee clans.