Essential Questions: How does culture define a group of people? What defines sovereignty over an area? Objective Objective(s): Describe aspects of Cherokee life including: Cherokee language, common Cherokee settlements, and the Trail of Tears. Analyze traditional stories of the Cherokee People. Role play the trade and barter system. Background The Cherokee people's ancestors have been in the Georgia area since before 1000 BC. The Cherokee nation covered a broad area in the Southeastern United States. Their territory included areas of modern day Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina Duration: 90 Minutes.