Character notes for "The Trail of Hope"

These are the character notes for "The Trail of Hope."  Note that there are some spoilers in here.

There are 21 females, 6 males, and 2 two-spirit (transman grandfather, bisexual boy) people in this poem. While substantially different from the standard pattern for this setting, it does follow the trends of more female than male, higher sex/gender variant, and more people of color than white. They have a few elders, some adults, and a lot of youth including minimally attached teens and fresh orphans. You can see both the impact of Native American struggles in general and the new pressures from the End. Most of the people willing to hike out were those with little attachment to Oklahoma, so elders, young families, and those not in a family. At the start of the journey, the travelers number about 1,000 people divided into 10 bands of 100 each that keep touch but move slightly offset from each other to minimize risks and impact of a large group.

Names come variously from some tribal directories, this list of Cherokee first names, and this list of Cherokee last names.  Note that, like many tribes, the Cherokee didn't draw clear distinctions between white names customarily used in the first position vs. last position or male vs. female, so they often cross those lines.

The Seven Clans have defined kinship in Cherokee culture.  Ghigau declared the journey an opportunity for new helpers to claim a clan, so some changed their names while others remained the same.  Clan membership passes through the mother, so people without a Cherokee mother don't inherit a clan.  They can be adopted into the Strangers subdivision of the Long Hair Clan (later hte Skunk Clan) but that doesn't always happen, so there were unaffiliated tribe members on the journey who established two new clans, Spotted Rabbit and Goat.  (One of the 10 starting bands was lost along the way, so they ended with 9.)  People cannot marry anyone from their mother's or father's clans.

Check this list of postapocalyptic careers against the character descriptions, and you can see that while they don't have everything, most people have either a career, a hobby, or both that can help support the tribe in the Aftermath.


Ghigau (Dora Dobbins) -- She has copper skin, brown eyes, and long straight hair that was black in her youth but now streaked with gray. She wears glasses. She is short and wiry.  She is 66 years old at the End.  Dora is a retired Army nurse, and once killed a trio of enemy soldiers who snuck into her hospital tent intending to kill the wounded. She goes by the title of Ghigau, meaning Beloved Woman. Shortly after the Grunge comes, she dreams of leaving Oklahoma and returning to the Cherokee homeland. So she leads some of her people on a long journey to Tennessee where they settle on abandoned land.  She takes Sue Broken Arrow (17) as an apprentice.  Originally Gigau belonged to the Long Hair Clan, later known as the Skunk Clan, and she leads the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People.

Ghigau means "Beloved Woman," a rank historically bestowed on war veterans and more recently older women who have made other great contributions to the Cherokee people. It can be used as a title or nickname similar to "Grandmother."

The Long Hair Clan, whose subdivisions are Twister, Wind and Strangers, are known to be a very peaceful clan. In the times of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the Peace Chief would come from this clan. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes and others with no Cherokee tribe were often adopted into this clan, thus the name Strangers. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Long Hair arbor is on the East side and also houses the chiefs and other leaders of the ground.


Sue Broken Arrow -- She has light copper skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, and long straight brown hair. She is tall and slim. She is 17 years old at the End. Sue is on her own because her parents are abusive drunks. She enjoys some of the more physical women's traditions, like scraping hides to make leather, as a way of letting out her frustrations. She joins Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. and becomes her apprentice to study Cherokee history and language. Sue belongs to the Wolf Clan, later known as the Dog Clan.

The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor.


Degataga Wood -- He has tinted skin, black eyes, and long straight black hair.  He is sturdy and has a round face.  In his youth, he lived as a woman and bore three children: Tayanita (24), Salali (20), and Atohi (18); Tayanita has two daughters, Ayita (4) and Hope (newborn).  After becoming a widow, a dream indicated that it was time to live as a man, so Degataga stepped into the role of grandfather and became a two-spirit.  He is a woodworker, and his family wanted to plant a food forest but hadn't managed to raise the funds.  They all know how to butcher game animals and cook over a campfire.  Degataga and his family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  He belongs to the Deer Clan (which keeps its original name).  His late wife belonged to the Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan, so his children and his daughter's children share that clan.

Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living among them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor.

The Wild Potato Clan's subdivision is Blind Savannah. Members of this clan were known to be "keepers of the land," and gatherers. The wild potato was a staple of the traditional Cherokee diet back east. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wild Potato arbor is to the left of the Wolf arbor.

Tayanita Wood -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and long straight brown hair.  She is short and curvy.  She is 24 years old at the End.  She is the daughter of Degataga (48), older sister of Salali (20) and Atohi (18), mother of Ayita (4) and Hope (newborn).  At the End, her husband is away visiting relatives in the east, and she doesn't know if he survived.  Tayanita is a woodworker.  Her family wanted to plant a food forest but hadn't managed to raise the funds.  They all know how to butcher game animals and cook over a campfire.  She and her family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Tayanita and her children belong to Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan.  Her father belongs to the Deer Clan (which kept its original name).

Salali Wood -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and light brown hair past her shoulders.  She is short and slim.  She is 20 years old at the End.  She is the daughter of Degataga (48), younger sister of Tayanita (24), older sister of Atohi (18), aunt of Ayita (4) and Hope (newborn).  Salali is a wildcrafter and dancer.  Her family wanted to plant a food forest but hadn't managed to raise the funds.  They all know how to butcher game animals and cook over a campfire.  She and her family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Salali and her children belong to Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan.  Her father belongs to the Deer Clan (which kept its original name).

Atohi Wood -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and long brown hair.  He is tall and sturdy.  He is 18 years old at the End.  He is the son of Degataga (48), younger brother of Tayanita (24) and Salali (20), uncle of Ayita (4) and Hope (newborn).  He is a forester and a skilled hunter.  His family wanted to plant a food forest but hadn't managed to raise the funds.  They all know how to butcher game animals and cook over a campfire.  Atohi and his family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  He belongs to Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan.  His father belongs to the Deer Clan (which kept its original name).

Ayita Hill -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and long straight brown hair. She is small and agile. She is 4 years old at the End. She is the granddaughter of Degataga (48), daughter of Tayanita (24), niece of Salali (20) and Atohi (18), older sister of Hope (newborn). Ayita is learning about traditional Cherokee dances from her aunt Salali. Ayita and her family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. She belongs to the Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan.

Hope Hill -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and straight brown hair. She is small but durable. She was born in 0 A.E. not long after her family reached their homeland. She is the granddaughter of Degataga (48), daughter of Tayanita (24), niece of Salali (20) and Atohi (18), younger sister of Ayita (4). Hope's mother and her family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. Hope belongs to the Wild Potato Clan, now called the Seed Clan.


Sue Broken Arrow -- She has light copper skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, and long straight brown hair. She is tall and slim. She is 17 years old at the End. Sue is on her own because her parents are abusive drunks. She enjoys some of the more physical women's traditions, like scraping hides to make leather, as a way of letting out her frustrations. She join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. and became her apprentice to study Cherokee history and language. Sue belongs to the Wolf Clan, later known as the Dog Clan.


Julia Starr -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and long straight hair of dark brown.  She is tall and strong.  She is 45 years old at the End.  She is the mother of Leotie Starr.  Julia used to work as a nurse but has switched to working for the park service instead.   She is a hobby astronomer who enjoys wilderness navigation.  Julia and her daughter join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Originally she belonged to the Blue Clan, which has become the Big Cat Clan.

The Blue Clan's subdivisions are Panther or Wildcat and Bear, which is considered the oldest clan. This clan produced people who were able to make special medicines for children. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Blue arbor is to the left of the Long Hair arbor.

Leotie Starr -- She has tinted skin, brown eyes, and long straight hair of dark brown.  She is tall and slim.  She is 16 years old at the End.  She is the daughter of Julia.  Leotie enjoys traditional crafts such as weaving and sewing.  Leotie and her mother join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Originally she belonged to the Blue Clan, which has become the Big Cat Clan.

Nanyehi Shambaugh -- She has pinkish fair skin, brown eyes, and long straight brown hair.  She is big and tall.  She is 38 years old at the End.  Nanyehi rides a motorcycle and enjoys scouting around.  Her day job is mechanic; she likes to tinker with things and repair stuff that wasn't actually intended to be repaired.  Nanyehi join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  She takes Shawna Legg (16) as an apprentice.  Nanyehi belongs to the Deer Clan, (which has kept the same name).

Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living among them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor.


Mary Yellow Dog -- She has fair skin, brown eyes, and long wavy chestnut hair that is starting to silver at the temples. She is 40 years old at the End. She is a veterinarian who raises Cherokee Curs and trains them for pack and travois work. Mary joins Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. She takes Rosanna Vazquez as an apprentice. Originally Mary belonged to the Wolf Clan, which has become the Dog Clan.

The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor.


Daryl Byrd -- He has tawny-fair skin, amber eyes, and long wavy brown hair with a short mustache and beard.  He is short and slim.  He is 28 years old at the End.  Daryl is the husband of Kinnona (33) and father of son Gawonii (1).  They work as wilderness guides who lead backpacking and camping trips.  Daryl is an ecologist and Kinnona is a paramedic.  They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Daryl belongs to the Bird Clan, which keeps its name.  His wife belongs to the Blue Clan, which becomes the Big Cat Clan.

Members of the Bird Clan were known as messengers. The belief that birds are messengers between earth and heaven, or the people and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. The subdivisions are Raven, Turtle Dove and Eagle. Eagle feathers were originally presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Bird arbor is to the left of the Deer arbor.

The Blue Clan's subdivisions are Panther or Wildcat and Bear, which is considered the oldest clan. This clan produced people who were able to make special medicines for children. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Blue arbor is to the left of the Long Hair arbor.

Kinnona Byrd -- She has tawny-fair skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, and long wavy hair of dark brown.  She wears glasses.  She is short and slim.  She is 33 years old at the End.  Previously Kinnona lost her first husband and daughter in a drunk driving crash.  Now she is the wife of Daryl (28) and mother of son Gawonii (1).  They work as wilderness guides who lead backpacking and camping trips.  Kinnona is a paramedic and Daryl is an ecologist.  They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Kinnona belongs to the Blue Clan, which becomes the Big Cat Clan.  Her husband belongs to the Bird Clan, which keeps its name.

Gawonii Byrd -- He has tawny-fair skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, and brown hair.  He is big and pudgy.  He is 1 year old at the End.  Gawonii is the son of Daryl (28) and Kinnona (33).  Unlike most children his age, he can sit still and stay quiet as long as he has something to watch.  He and his family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  Gawonii belongs to the Blue Clan, which becomes the Big Cat Clan.  His father belongs to the Bird Clan, which keeps its name.

Hanna Paden -- She has terra-cotta skin and black eyes.  Her hair is long with just a little wave, dark growing in but it bleaches into rusty streaks from the sun.  She is short and fat with an oval face.  She is 22 years old at the End.  Hanna is the younger sister of Ida (26) and aunt of Lena (5).  Hanna and Ida take Adsila Steppe as an apprentice.  They enjoy traditional crafts including cooking, gardening, and basketmaking.  They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  They belong to the Wild Potato Clan, later known as the Seed Clan.

The Wild Potato Clan's subdivision is Blind Savannah. Members of this clan were known to be "keepers of the land," and gatherers. The wild potato was a staple of the traditional Cherokee diet back east. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wild Potato arbor is to the left of the Wolf arbor.

Ida Paden -- She has terra-cotta skin, black eyes, and long straight black hair.  She is short and fat with a round face.  She is 26 years old at the End.  Ida is the older sister of Hanna (26) and mother of Lena (5).  They enjoy traditional crafts including cooking, gardening, and basketmaking.  Ida and Hanna take Adsila Steppe as an apprentice.  They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  They belong to the Wild Potato Clan, later known as the Seed Clan.

Lena Paden -- She has dark bronze skin, black eyes, and long curly black hair.  She is 5 years old at the End.  She is softly padded with a plump oval face.  She is the daughter of Ida.  She looks very much like the Mojave man her mother slept with at a powwow.  Lena is very feminine and already fascinated by basketmaking.  Unlike her relatives, who don't care much about appearance, she loves pretty dresses and already shows interest in the communal primping that helps everyone look their best for special occasions.  She is the one kid who never comes home with her ribbons missing, braids undone, and hay in her hair.  Lena and her family join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  They belong to the Wild Potato Clan, later known as the Seed Clan.


Janees Elochee -- She has coppery brown skin, almond-shaped black eyes, and long straight black hair. She is tall and muscular.  Her heritage includes Black Cherokee.  She is 14 years old at the End.  Janees is not closely attached to anyone, having been passed around from one relative to another for years.  She was taking pottery classes before the End, and hopes to find ways of exploring that further.  She joins the Wood family as Daryl's apprentice because she loves backpacking.  They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E.  She belongs to the Deer Clan, which has kept its name.

Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living among them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor.

Adsila Steppe -- She has dark copper skin, black eyes, and long black hair with a little wave. She wears glasses. She is 10 years old at the End. Adsila is a young naturalist with a love of plants. She apprentices herself to Ida and Hanna Paden. They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. After Adsila finds a herd of goats, her band of unaffiliated people becomes the new Goat Clan.


Shawna Legg -- She has light copper skin, brown eyes, and long straight brown hair. She is tall and strong. She is 16 at the End. Shawna apprentices herself to Nanyehi as a scout, because her ancestors had been runners who carried messages between the villages. They join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. Shawna also enjoys traditional crafts like leatherwork and sewing. She belongs to the Deer Clan.

Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living among them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor.


Lee Samochee -- He has light copper skin, brown eyes, and wavy black hair to his shoulders. He is tall and slim. He is 17 years old at the End. Lee is bisexual and identifies as two-spirit. He is studying shamanism, first with his late grandfather, currently with Degatega Wood. Lee joins Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. He belongs to the Paint Clan.

Members of the Paint Clan were historically known as medicine people. Medicine is often "painted" on a patient after harvesting, mixing and performing other aspects of the ceremony. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Paint arbor is to the left of the Bird arbor.


Rex Deere -- He has fair skin, brown eyes, and short brown hair. He is short and slim. He lived on a farm before his parents died of the Grunge. He is 9 years old at the End. Rex is already a skilled hunter and a crack shot with a rifle. He connects with the Wood family. They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. He belongs to the Deer Clan, which has kept its name.

Oklahoma Hunting Rules
• 10 years of age and under must complete hunter education and be accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 or older.
• Persons over 10 years old may hunt alone after successfully completing hunter education and buying a license.

Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living among them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor.


Rosanna Vazquez -- She has copper skin, black eyes, and long wavy hair of dark brown. Her heritage is mixed; she has no clan because her parents had Cherokee fathers and Hispanic mothers. She is 9 years old at the End. Rosanna loves animals, so she connects with Mary Yellow Dog and the Cherokee Curs. They all join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. After Rosanna catches some feral rabbits, her band of unaffiliated people becomes the new Spotted Rabbit clan.


Polly Buzzard -- She has light copper skin, brown eyes, and long straight hair of dark brown. She is chunky and cheerful. She is 35 years old at the End. She is the mother of Elsie (3). Polly teaches in the tribal school system, where she uses a nature playground and an educational garden. As a hobby, she makes traditional jewelry. Polly and her daughter join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. Polly takes on Kanuna Nofire (15), Dustu Nofire (11), and Salinda Cloud (3). Polly and her daughter belong to the Bird Clan, which keeps its name.

Members of the Bird Clan were known as messengers. The belief that birds are messengers between earth and heaven, or the people and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. The subdivisions are Raven, Turtle Dove and Eagle. Eagle feathers were originally presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Bird arbor is to the left of the Deer arbor.


Elsie Buzzard -- She has light copper skin, brown eyes, and long straight hair of dark brown. She is chubby and excitable. She is the daughter of Polly (35).
Elsie attends the language nest with other preschoolers and loves listening to stories. She and her mother join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. Polly and her daughter belong to the Bird Clan, which keeps its name.

Members of the Bird Clan were known as messengers. The belief that birds are messengers between earth and heaven, or the people and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. The subdivisions are Raven, Turtle Dove and Eagle. Eagle feathers were originally presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Bird arbor is to the left of the Deer arbor.


Kanuna Nofire -- He has copper skin, black eyes, and short wavy black hair. He is tall and slim with a long face. He is 15 years old at the End. He is the older brother of Dustu (11) and older cousin of Salinda Cloud (3). Their parents were firefighters. They lived in Tulsa, and after the Grunge killed their parents, the boys went to check on other relatives, where they found Salinda the only survivor of her family too. So they all hiked to the Cherokee Reservation. Mary Buzzard takes in all three of them. They join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. They belong to the Wolf Clan, which becomes the Dog Clan.

The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor.

Dustu Nofire -- He has light copper skin, black eyes, and short curly black hair. He is short and slim with a heart-shaped face. He is 11 years old at the End. He is the younger brother of Kanuna (15) and older cousin of Salinda Cloud (3). Their parents were firefighters. They lived in Tulsa, and after the Grunge killed their parents, the boys went to check on other relatives, where they found Salinda the only survivor of her family too. So they all hiked to the Cherokee Reservation. Mary Buzzard takes in all three of them. They join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. They belong to the Wolf Clan, which becomes the Dog Clan.

The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor.

Salinda Cloud -- She has copper skin, black eyes, and wavy black hair to her shoulders. She is short and pudgy with a square face. She is 3 years old at the End. She is the younger cousin of Kanuna (15) and Dustu (11) Nofire. Her mother died of the Grunge. They lived in Tulsa, and after the Grunge killed their parents, the boys went to check on other relatives, where they found Salinda the only survivor of her family too. So they all hiked to the Cherokee Reservation. Mary Buzzard takes in all three of them. They join Ghigau and the Hope Tribe of the Cherokee People in walking from Oklahoma to Tennessee during 0 A.E. Salinda belongs to the Wolf Clan, which becomes the Dog Clan.

The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor.