Possible Clues:

• Native American people, originally living in the Appalachian Mountains
• Like members of the largest federally recognized tribe in the U.S
• Native American tribe
• Constant support mostly comprising brave individual, Native American
• Southeastern tribe
• Like Sequoyah, for whom the tree is named
• A Native American people — coke here (anag)
• Early American rustic hero keeping masks
• Brave of Nancy’s dear old chief to speak out
• Oklahoman singer has fine points