1. Redbird Smith helped found the Nighthawk Keetoowah Society, whose members revitalized traditional spirituality among the Cherokee from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.
10 Facts About Redbird Smith
1. 2.
Redbird Smith was born into a Cherokee family on July 19,1850, in Indian Territory, near the current city of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
3.
Redbird Smith's father was Pig Redbird Smith, who was given his surname by European Americans, after they noted that he worked as a blacksmith.
4.
Redbird Smith's parents had been removed from Georgia to Indian Territory.
5.
Redbird Smith led a political resistance movement to the Dawes Allotment Act and sought to return to traditional Cherokee religious nationalism and values.
6.
In 1887 and 1889, Smith served as a tribal councilor from the Illinois District of the Cherokee Nation.
7.
Redbird Smith married Lucy Fields, born in Braggs, Indian Territory in 1852.
8.
Redbird Smith was the daughter of Richard Fields and Eliza Fields.
9.
Redbird Smith is buried in the Redbird Smith Cemetery in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.
10.
Redbird Smith served as chief of the Nighthawk Keetoowahs until his death and was succeeded for a short period by Levi Gritts.