Probably the best-known individual Cherokee is Sequoyah , after whom the California redwoods were named. Sequoyah was born the same year the Declaration of Independence was written, which is fitting. All animals are important and have lessons to teach. People's lives are enriched when they observe animals carefully and imitate valuable behaviors. Certain animals are renowned for particular traits.
Possums play dead.
For the Cherokee, as for many other native americans, Wolf is the model teacher. Wolves work together very closely in hunting and in raising their young. They are good parents and good teachers. According to Cherokee teachings, we humans are here on this earth to learn. To accomplish this, there is a proper way to live.