My name is Dan White. I am a decendant of a Cherokee Shaman called Whitepath. (I have only recently learned that the term “Shaman” was never used by the Cherokee (Tsalagi) people, but is a term with it’s origins possibly in Siberia. My thanks to Mike Whitewolf I’ll add more on this as time permits). “Path” was dropped from the name in I believe around 1868. I have been studying information provided to me by a cousin attending my mother’s funeral. He provide me with a CD of the White family history as researched by his brother. I had only briefly studied this previously and was mistaken in my thinking my ancestor Whitepath was referred to as a Shaman. Actually he was a town Chief. I am still trying to clear up some confusion as there is a Whitepath who is very prominent in Cherokee history, having fought with Andrew Jackson at Horshoe Bend. There is also a fellow known as Major Ridge who is either a hero or a traitor to the Cherokee people depending on who is talking. (My personal feelings is that all he did was for the benefit of his people and not for personal gain.) It appears that my ancestor (and I believe the name used was White Path, rather than Whitepath) and Major Ridge were related. All of this is still somewhat confusing to me, so my apologies should I be mistaken in what I say. I am not a member of a federally recognized tribe but am of Cherokee and Creek ancestry. I am a retired gunsmith and now setting up to make Native American flutes full time. I recorded a CD I call Dream Chaser in 2003 using a Dell desktop and Cakewalk software. The flutes used for the CD were all ones I made.

One of the photos below is of a building in my back yard. This is my new workshop before I put up a 6 foot wood privacy fence. Please look for me on ebay, danwhitepath is my seller ID. I will be frequently listing the most bang for the buck Native American flute you can find, a six hole natural finished poplar flute for $79.00 with Free shipping.

I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all who have become new freinds and fans here on OurStage. It’s a pleasure meeting all of you on line. If anyone would be interested in the flutes I make, please check out Etsy.com and type in Native American Flute. We’ll still be offering specials on ebay occasionally as well. Thank you all.