Sequoya and Cherokee Writing System

Sequoya, a Cherokee silversmith, is celebrated for creating a writing system for the Cherokee language, known as the Cherokee Alphabet. This phonetic system, developed over 12 years, enabled the Cherokee people to become literate and preserve their history. Sequoya's invention had a profound impact, allowing the Cherokee Nation to represent themselves in legal matters and contributing to their cultural legacy. His work places him among the great inventors of writing systems, alongside the Sumerians, Greeks, Egyptians, and Maya.

What is Sequoya best known for?

• Creating a system of writing for the Cherokee language

• Discovering America

• Being a famous Cherokee warrior

• Leading the Cherokee Nation

Which of the following was NOT a method used by American Indians to tell stories before the 19th century?

• Written alphabets

• Rock paintings

• Petroglyphs

• Pictographs

What profession did Sequoya have before he became interested in writing?

• Blacksmith

• Silversmith

• Carpenter

• Farmer

How long did Sequoya work on creating the Cherokee writing system?

• 5 years

• 8 years

• 15 years

• 12 years

What was the result of the Cherokee Nation adopting Sequoya's alphabet?

• The Cherokee Nation dissolved

• Thousands of Cherokee became literate

• The Cherokee language was forgotten

• Sequoya became the leader of the Cherokee

In what year did the Cherokee Nation officially adopt Sequoya's alphabet?

• 1830

• 1843

• 1825

• 1823

Which of the following tribes was NOT mentioned as part of the Five Civilized Tribes?

• Creek

• Navajo

• Cherokee

• Chickasaw

What did Sequoya's invention allow the Cherokee people to do in court?

• Represent themselves

• Avoid trials

• Win every case

• Speak only in English

In which year did Sequoya pass away?

• 1850

• 1843

• 1835

• 1825

Which ancient civilizations are mentioned alongside Sequoya for inventing writing systems?

• Aztecs and Incas

• Chinese and Indians

• Romans and Greeks

• Sumerians and Egyptians