The Cherokee syllabary is a writing system created by Sequoyah in the early 19th century. It consists of 85 characters, each representing a syllable rather than a single letter. This unique system allowed the Cherokee Nation to develop its own written language, promoting literacy and preserving their culture. Using the syllabary, the Cherokee people could write down their stories, laws, and history. This was especially important during a time when their language was at risk of being lost. The syllabary remains a vital part of Cherokee identity and is still taught in schools today.