Maggie Axe Wachacha

Maggie Axe Wachacha (1892–1993) (Eastern Band of Cherokee) was renowned for reinvigorating Cherokee culture and for her work in ethnobotany.

Early life Maggie Axe was born and raised in Snowbird Gap in Graham County, North Carolina, the daughter of Will and Caroline Cornsilk Axe. Her family home was rather isolated from the majority of Cherokee in the region, most of whom lived about 50 miles away in the Qualla Boundary of Swain County.

Beloved Woman In Cherokee culture, a beloved woman is someone who has a lot of influence in the tribe, speaks in tribal meetings, and corresponds with Beloved Women from other indigenous nations. Wachacha was honored in 1978 as a Beloved Woman by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation for her work as a clerk in the tribal council. She was the second woman to be honored in this way. She had received the North Carolina Distinguished Women Award from Governor Jim Martin in 1986. She was one of five to win the award of 91 nominated.

Family In 1935 Maggie met and married Jarrett Wachacha. Jarrett was 20 years older than Maggie, and he was a member of the Deer Clan. Maggie and Jarrett had their first child, Winona, in 1936.