The term Cherokee (Tsalagi) was actually a Choctaw
word meaning "cave land people" or "cave people."
People invading the Indian lands mispronounced the Choctaw word Tsalagi
and hence the term "Cherokee" was created. The Cherokees originally
called themselves "Ani-Yunwiya," meaning, “The Principle
People" or the "People of God."
The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has excellent historical and cultural
resources.