The play recounts the history of the Cherokee of the Eastern region up to their removal by United States forces in 1838 via the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory , now Oklahoma . The drama includes notable Cherokee historic figures , including Sequoyah , Junaluska , Chief Yonaguska or Drowning Bear , and William Holland Thomas ( the adopted son of Drowning Bear and the only white chief of the Cherokee ) , Selu the Corn Mother , and Kanati the Great Hunter
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Unto These Hills