TRAIL OF TEARS is the forced migration of the Cherokee Indian to Oklahoma in 1838 to 1839.
As part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, in 1838 through 1839, the Cherokee were forced to gave up their lands and to migrate to another area, which is located in the modern day Oklahoma. The migration had devastating effects on the people and more than 4000 of them died.
The population decreased because of diseases brought in by the white settlers that the Native Americans were not used to
Potlatch, ceremonial distribution of property and gifts to affirm or reaffirm social status, as uniquely institutionalized by the American Indians of the Northwest Pacific coast. The potlatch reached its most elaborate development among the southern Kwakiutl from 1849 to 1925. Although each group had its characteristic version, the potlatch had certain general features. Ceremonial formalities were observed in inviting guests, in speechmaking, and in the distribution of goods by the donor according to the social rank of the recipients. The size of the gatherings reflected the rank of the donor. Great feasts and generous hospitality accompanied the potlatch, and the efforts of the kin group of the host were exerted to maximize the generosity. The proceedings gave wide publicity to the social status of donor and recipients because there were many witnesses.
