Amazing Grace in Cherokee Walela

[beavismaxim]

One question. Americans need to return the land to the indigenous peoples of America?

Один вопрос. Американцам нужно вернуть землю коренным народам Америки?

[ragenrae]

My God, what did we do...what did we do?

[Bluesman0001]

Although I'm not Cherokee, I empathise with all indigenous people. I love this version much more than the english version.

[virginiaqueen57]

i love this.

[TheAmericanNative]

While I am not Cherokee, and have almost no Indian blood in me, I feel sorrow for the Cherokee, and all Native Americans. From one native people to another (Gaelic to Native American) hold your head high, hate not but educate, do as well as you can to honor your ancestors, keep your language, and keep your customs in memory. Peace be unto you, and all peoples of the world, large and small, weak and strong.

[dajesusblues]

I think this is the version of Amazing Grace Jesus listens to most often on his iPod :-).

[Greatspirit2u]

Soooooooo beautiful Thro tears and all.. Rita u are truely BLESSED..

[mspollynicole1]

Beautiful...Makes me cry...And yes I got Cherokee in me.....

[rebelrose1863]

I'm descended from Cherokee--I think it's my 4th great grandmother. I'd have to find my genealogy info to find out for sure. Our son--has Cherokee on both sides of the family (have not found my husband's Cherokee ancestor yet)--found another version of this. A friend gave me the link to this version. I like both. Our son is learning Japanese and wants to learn Cherokee also. Have no idea where he can learn it......

[1932jeannie]

@rebelrose1863 i dont know where you live, but i live in cherokee country in oklahoma. and im cherokee also, they offer cherokee language classes here. to speak cherokee,. its free and i have taken that class.love to hear it being spoken and still learning how to speak it and write it.

[cowen4u]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard! Sounds like Angels singing!

[piechildofyore]

Indian or not, no one trusts the government.

[inuyasha2408]

Native Americans are amazing they send a message that says we should treat our Mother Earth kindly... and just look at society today. It disgusts me.

[johnnyjemimah]

Oh my God, how beautiful. Rita rules.

[Maver1ck12]

Beautiful!!

[eireman]

MITAKUYE OYASIN! BLESSINGS.. to you all. My ancestry is.. IRISH/Cherokee (5 generations removed). I love.. Rita and Walela. For their.. being.. FAITHFUL.. vessells.. of THE GREAT SPIRITS!

[MrUhwoody]

yuchi hebrews --we be here yet.

[MrUhwoody]

This, son of man, is an excellent example of the awesome power and beauty of so-called archaic languages. Let them with wisdom understand: here is the sound of faith-pleasant noise to YahWeh.

[co3po]

Beautiful rendition of Tsalagi Amazing Grace.

I wish I knew more of the Cherokee of my bloodlines. Through the Greer family, I find that my great grandfather was definitely part Indian, and looked very much like a half blood or possibly a 1/4. The various official rolls have the Greer name in both Cherokee and Choctaw nations.

Perhaps one day before I die I will find out more.

[nmbr1bubbles]

Beautiful rendition. 

[JohnstSa]

i love being native american the language i so pretty

[RML03071958]

A beautiful song sung in an Amazing language, makes me have goose bumps! Humanity has a lot to learn from the words of this song it was written by a former slave trader dealing in human flesh. It makes us stop and pause just for a moment and wonder where humanity continues to go wrong!

[numbersmandan]

I'm glad to know that the cherokee scrip works on youtube. I'm learning cherokee and I've got the scrip for it. Wado for posting yeha-noha dohia. I would like to know how to say friend in cherokee but can't find it in my lesson book.By the way this is one of my all-time favorite song!

[analarmtech]

ᏕᏣᏓᎨᏳᏎᏍᏗ

ᏕᏣᏓᏟᏴᏎᏗ

ᏕᏣᏓᎸᏉᏕᏍᏗ

ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏗ ᏕᏣᏓᏰᎸᏎᏍᏗ

[alyeska4]

Hauntingly beautiful. As a Cherokee, the thought of what happened to my people and, therefore, my heritage, never fails to bring tears to my eyes. However, things like this bring pride and a reminder to learn from past mistakes and never, ever let them happen again. Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[BibleVerities]

Beautiful in any language!! God bless :)

[TheDesertDreamz]

Absolutely AWEsome.

[gratefuldarrell]

Thoese who think the native tribes are lost or broken are not seeing the truth for they are the ones who are leading us back to the true path. Because of their wisdom we have a vision into the next world. When heaven and earth meeting your heart you will see how they are saving from our own death from inside. At first we move toward the light then we walk in the light finally we become the light. the nave people call this the beautiful path.

[A385122]

@gratefuldarrell i belive the same thing i dont nkow thath much abouth you but i like you

[Calebforreal]

sometimes I wish the Native Americans could still live like they used to and not have to choose between living on a reservation or starting to live like us. like where I could go outside and have a Native American neighbor living in an asi house, or a tepee, would be interesting to live like that, and hunting with the kind of bows and arrows they used.

[BipolarForJesus]

Wow! I liked the photo of the Warrior with the vertical black stripes painted on his face, & the photo of 'Earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the Earth'.

This music, the voices, the words, I could feel them in my bones. VERY beautiful!

[elvisduckie]

I'm not Native, but I do love Walela & I hadn't heard this before. Thank you. :)

[mpsicily]

The "United States of America" rightfully belongs to the Native American Indians

[dtripp62]

Natives were treated bad but thru mankind to the begining its always been about land, thats sad and it dosent belong to anyone really or the water we just live here because we have no other place to go.

[cbarsonfire]

@dtripp62

we are the care takers of the earth. The earth belongs to the creator.

[foxxy6959595]

I am part Cherokee and it's awesome to hear this song. 

[parrotlegal]

Beautiful!!!

[mtnbikekid7]

God bless the red man, the real Americans.

[ongawesgone]

With no disrespect toward the Coolidge Ladies, I wish all mixed-bloods --whether by blood or by Native adoption (meaning blood parents are living, but adopted by choice into a Native extended family) were treated as well. Walela sings a song about not being judged by the color of hair, eyes, or skin, meaning: I may be lighter in those areas, but still Indian. That's me. Possibly have native lineage, but can't prove it. Adopted into Shawnee & Seneca Nations. And proud!

[wmartygee]

fantastic adaption of a beutiful song

[lifeslittledancer]

i am not Cherokee but Native. This song and video infuses pride for where I come from every time. Thank you for the beautiful video.

[maureenrowleyme]

Beauty in the music........thought provoking vid......awsome combination.......pure class!!!

[merrymermaid777]

tbusinelle, I love your insight..no blame, no hatred ust move forward...I am of East Indian descent born in Jamaica & faced rejection from a young child ( we are the minority ) which led me to cathartic poetry..books, my friends & words, my lovers..I am now a published poet..no blame, no excuses, no hatred..I hold my head up and move forwardd...beautiful music & video..peace & love!

[CherokeeLady58]

The Indian's were treated badly because at that time....they were lower than dirt. But, they coming back again...they speaking up...finally. I am proud Cherokee and proud of all our Nation's.

[nightrider836]

@CherokeeLady58 I am so proud and impressed by yourself and tbusinelle for your forgivness of the white man of that period. I am only a small part Brule Soiux from a great grandfather and I have a hard time forgiving them. I still cry when I think of Wounded Knee and the Trail of Tears and many other offences against the red man

by the whites.

[tbusinelle]

I;m Cherokee Indian and soooo proud of my heritage .... It saddens me to know that our ancestors were treated so badly.... However we must all hold our heads high and move forward .... no blame ... no hatred ..... no excuses. Rise up and be honorable.

[cbarsonfire]

@tbusinelle

Many people could learn from our people.

[DreamingGirl1992]

@tbusinelle I agree. I'm not full Cherokee but I am partly. I feel my heritage in my and though I am very saddened by what was done, it won't do any good to hate now. We must all move forward.

[johnknoefler]

@DreamingGirl1992 One Cherokee lady told me that there is no such thing as part Cherokee. You either are or aren't and the distinction has more to do with your attitude than strength of lineage. That same person later told me that Cherokee blood is like fine gold, no matter how fine it is drawn out it still shines just as bright. The Cherokee Nation was always the best and brightest of all peoples and it was truly the First Nation.

[w5pda]

@tbusinelle Words of wisdom...Wa-do my friend :-)

[JohnMagillM]

@tbusinelle well said

[semaj5262]

profound and beautiful!

[XxChibiLibbyxX]

I love the picture-portraits of them. Even without a defined expression, their faces hold so much character and emotion and wisdom. It's absolutely beautiful.

[WohaliUwasv]

The Cherokee Nation will rise again!

[GoldEagleDreamer]

@WohaliUwasv Yes it will

[MissionaireBones]

This song was played at my sister's funeral..our great-grandmother was half Cherokee. Love you Pam.

[brokenbaby1514]

My Grandfather was ashamed of his Cherokee blood so it was kept very quit, we have missed so much information and triditions because of it.. I can only guess.....

[littlefreedome]

i just lost my father and i had this played at his funeral the people have never heard this before they all sid it was a beutifule version of it the pople around him (friends) did not know he was a cherokee till his died ty u to the ones that helped me find it . even thought i still don't know about my people

[go2mtgs]

Love this compilation of pictures. non-commercial, real people. Whether Christian, Great Spirit, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, et al. Spiritual principles are universal in the hearts of good people. "Amazing Grace" is about the captain of a slave ship. Take time to look up its history.

Many of us have been enslaved at some point in our lives. Whether it is by the oppression of others or by self. Spiritual life requires an open mind and heart. I hope all who stop here find that out.... somehow.

[willybuck55]

this is the only version of this song that brings tears to my eyes.

I am 1/4 cherokee and I believe in the indian heritage

[camdude1998]

great thx for tht :D

[marvelousmerle1]

I love this.

[mollybabygirl1]

I was told I had a cherokee ancestor, i wish i could find out more.

[3slimdog]

Wonderful Video. Friend of mine seen i am interested in Indian culture and loves Amazing Grace sung by everyone. Friend sent me video and i am thankful for that.

[rhino79]

This is a beautiful rendition, but a Christian hymn like Amazing Grace doesn't exactly represent Cherokee spirituality.

[innerstorm2]

@rhino79 In 1838 began the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to Tahlequah, Oklahoma called the "Trail Where We Cried". It is said that they sang this song during the 6 month ordeal while 4000 to 6000 died. It is an important part of the Cherokee heritage and memory.

[denniseggers]

@rhino79 my family is part Cherokee from the mts of E. TN and most of the Cherokee pre '60's new age embaced a mt Baptist faith ... and my family honored all ways and beliefs while just wanting to live and let live... I personally adopted a mix of new age Keltic / Lakota which symbolically works for me... but all who honor the creator and respect his creations are part of the whole and the way the weaver weaves... bright blessings :)

[wolfatnight]

this will play at my funeral someday..... and "Morning Song".... not sure if I've ever heard of a more beautiful sound....

[GreenLiberationSalon]

Maybe the Prez will finally correct the sins of our past, and we can begin to trust that our gov will govern for the good of the people, and will carry out the people's collective will, not the highest bidder.

[MrUhwoody]

@GreenLiberationSalon wishin"

[josiefogg1]

Rita Coolidge should be proud of this beautiful song ( along with her family)

[SpirituallyHuman]

Still loving it!

[lacy181]

i am cherokee i dont know how much i am.But i can speak it very well andhope to learn more about my ways.And i loveth song very much!

[Amanofwords1]

why do white men take away moral things they are so stupid i know that we have alot of new machines but it doesn't beat to actually know your nieghbor or riding a horse

[bushidohorse]

yur words are full of hate, though i'm sure u and i would agree on many things.

[Amanofwords1]

your true i was just mad because i didn't get to live like my anscesters in the wild one with nature

[bushidohorse]

thats what i want too...lets go brother

[Amanofwords1]

when the time is right brother then we will go

[bushidohorse]

in the meantime, we prepare...where ya wanna meet? Montana?

[Amanofwords1]

Texas

[bushidohorse]

thats handy...thats where i am now

[jahiuzzell]

Love it!!!

[egarcia12129]

I am am 3 quarters cherokee and I believe that this song is absolutely amazing! I have heard it sung many ways but this is the one that gets me! Just beautiful!

[rainbowgecko]

to 2for124gone: i don't ever recall Native Americans stating Earth belongs to them & only them. i do recall they consider themselves guardians of our Earthy Mother. how desolate would our planet would be without them & other like-minded non-Natives? if she dies so do we. you should be grateful they've influenced non-Native Americans to share their beliefs & fight to protect our beautiful planet. oh! and if anyone is interested in purchasing this song (and others) search Walela on iTunes.

[LOVE2Flute]

Beautiful

[XxChibiLibbyxX]

seriously 2for124gone? like, come on. don't come on here, and bash Cherokee beliefs. i dont go on christian songs and bash your beliefs on that comment page. you have your god and you have your beliefs, we have our's. just leave it alone.

btw, excellent song. its truly beautiful. its inspiring, thank you so much for posting it.

[TimShred]

@XxChibiLibbyxX maybe he's a descendent of Cortezor Custer

[2for124gone]

earth is gods creation if it belongs to anyone its him.

[flyingcabinetman]

@2for124gone - What little I know and I'm part Cherokee myself, no Indian ever claimed to "own the earth". No one "owns" it but all are charged with using it wisely and caring for it. The Indian exemplified caring for the earth. When the European arrived, waters were pure and no trash, polution or other evidence of disregard for Earth or nature lay about as we are surrounded with today.

To quote the Indian: We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors. We borrow it from our Children.

[MsJCBurke]

@2for124gone Her

[MrUhwoody]

@2for124gone  absolutely

[StrongDebbie]

Thank mom,granma

[serindipity10]

i love this

thank-you rosesredvioletsblue for sharing this amazing song / vid

Kira x

[dreamaker12]

we need a concert .. please

[SuperGraceland]

why were the indians treated that way? i feel bad for them

[Stalinx20]

because the white man wanted land. and so now we have it! happy? thought not. funny cause if my grandmother's grandmother got killed by the white man. i may not be here today

[Realflection]

greed & stupidity

[dayday1951]

@Realflection - not so much stupidity as fear. They knew they were wrong and were afraid it would haunt them - as it has.

[kamusama]

@Realflection hurts everyone, sounds like the reason the whole world is in pain.

[cbarsonfire]

@SuperGraceland

Still being attacked by lawmakers looking to tax and take away more rights granted by treaty. Write and tell the US government. to stop.

[Thrawn6211]

@SuperGraceland Andrew Jackson (a great military commander, a sucky-ass president).

[johnknoefler]

@SuperGraceland This song was sung on the Trail of Tears. My Great Great Grandmother was a member of this people. For that reason alone it's enough for me to look back.

[kathycase15]

@SuperGraceland ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MrYaesu840]

@SuperGraceland

You can thank President Andrew Jackson for the bad treatment of the the Cherokee people. In 1836 he forced them to leave their native homeland in Georgia and move to reservations in the Oklahoma Territory. This march was known as "The Trail of Tears" because it was basically a death march.

[1932jeannie]

@MrYaesu840 in oklahoma the trail of tears is celebrated in the month of september on labor day weekend.i live in cherokee territory. and im a proud cherokee.just to let you know.

[gracious39]

thanks for the song!!

[w5pda]

There's only one thing that could make this any better....seeing them perform it live :-)

[rosesredvioletsblue]

Beautiful. Chilling. Excellent video.

10* The images you've chosen are wonderful. Hearing Amazing Grace sung in Cherokee is very special.

Can't thank you enough.

[CountryBoyYes]

Beautiful for sure. My Dad's Mother (grandmother) was a full blooded Cherokee. I have always wished I could learn the Cherokee Language, but I have never had the chance to do so. My grandmother braided her hair right up until her death in 1964. She died the Day that John F. Kennedy was assasinated. I loved and miss my Grandma

[RoseShattuck]

How beautiful! The best version of Amazing Grace. What a beautiful video.

[Tracey480]

I love Walela!!!

They sing so sweetly!

Tsalagi (Cherokee) is such a beautiful language.

[Candynite]

That is a beautiful version. I also would like to know what song that is at the very end when Jaye is walking to the car.

[geneobug]

This is one of the most beautiful versions of Amazing Grace that I have ever heard. I love the harmony.

[Gleiwitz774]

Beautifull...A great nation wiped out by ignorance.....

[AboriginalCanadian]

Native people are alive and well in todays world.