joyce's journey Introduction Gallery 1 Native Americans Gallery 2 Native Americans Gallery 3 Native Americans Gallery 4 Dragons, Dragons Gallery 5 Christmas & more The first 3 galleries are dedicated to my Great Grandmother Simmons		When I was very young, my G.Grandmother Simmons, told me that I was part Cherokee.She said " Be proud of your Indian blood, for they are kind and gentle people." Her stories were sad yet beautiful. As a child she was never aloud to speak of her parents especially her father, who was a Cherokee Indian. She told me her memories of him was a tenderness in his voice and how he loved her mother. Her dream was to know more about him, but due to illness and lack of information and money she was never able to return to Tahlequah, the Cherokee Capital in Oklahoma.	This piece is called 'Amon' -The Bow' He is holding 2 rabbit's furs and a dancing fan to give to his sweetheart. He has found a home
I know that Grandfather was not a Chief. But I do believe that he was an honorable man. I am sure that to his family he was the Chief and so I shall think of him in this way. As Grandfathers go I believe that he was very wise and full of stories for the children . As my Grandmother said, he was full of love with gentle ways.		She asked me, if I had a chance to find out more about her father, she wanted me to do so. Many years went by....until... one night, last year, I awoke from a dream and rushed to the computer. After typing a few words I returned to sleep. The next morning I returned to the computer and read the words. This took me on a journey that I will never forget. That day, I began sculpting my first Indian face. The first one I made I gave to my best friend and the second, I gave to my cousin. This piece was my 3rd.	'Hiamovi' means 'High Chief'" To be a good Leader you must be a good Listener." He lives with me. I call him Grandfather Here he is telling a story.
Due to the interest in pieces sold, I will take orders. They will still be one of a kind though. The size of the Indian pieces are approx. 18" in circumference and weigh about 3-4 lbs.		The faces kept coming and after several were done, I told my husband that I needed to journey to Tahlequah, to complete my Grandmothers quest. G.G.Grandfather was one of the thousands who marched in the 'Trail of Tears.' I wondered if he was on the Dawes rolls, for when the Indians reached Oklahoma the government took down their names. I found out that many Indians who's names were not on the Dawes rolls were not entitled to land or anything else.	'Fire Walker' He's a great scout and brave hunter. The night before the hunt he would dance with fire sticks. He has found his soul mate
The Trail of Tears was made up of 5 civilized Tribes which numbered approx.. 60,000 They were Chocktaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Cherokee and Seminole.   Gallery 2		Looking through the rolls I found no trace of him. I called my father and he set up a visit with other members of our family that I had not seen for over 25 years. They live in Oklahoma. That is when I found out why Grandfather was not mentioned in the Dawes rolls. 'In 1838-1839, the time of the 'Trail of Tears'. Thousands of Cherokee and several other tribes we removed from their home land and marched to what is now called the Cherokee Nation. Over three thousand plus , died during this forced march. Grandfather along with his sister were in that march. Somewhere towards the end of the march a soldier raped Grandfather's sister. He killed the soldier.	'Echota'. I believe he was a good friend of my Grandfather's. Looking for a home