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Resumo

Remember the Removal is a program for Cherokee youth and young adults which aims to increase Cherokee knowledge, culture, and language by retracing the Trail of Tears. This study evaluated the Cherokee values that were gained and how the participants learned and applied traditional Cherokee values through the program. This is significant because cultural knowledge and connection are important developmental aspects for Indigenous youth and can also protect them from health risks. To assess cultural growth, a total of 23 Remember the Removal participants took part in focus groups. Participants comprised two cohorts: the first cohort of the program was in 1984 ( n = 15) and the most current cohort occurred in 2015 ( n = 9). Data were analyzed using program evaluation and decolonization methods. Results indicated that there were five themes related to Cherokee values: treat everyone with kindness, help each other, work together, take care of one another, treat each other as family, and be confident. These values mapped onto traditional Cherokee Community Values that had been pre-established by Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee community. This analysis confirmed that this cultural training is feasible; results in improved connection to peers, family, and tribe; is representative of Cherokee values; that the values are applied outside of the program and into the community; and can last up to 32 years.

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