What significant contribution did Sequoya make to the Cherokee Nation?

Sequoya's most significant contribution to the Cherokee Nation was the creation of a Cherokee syllabary. This syllabary is a system of written symbols representing the sounds of the Cherokee language, which enabled the Cherokee people to have a written form of their language for the first time. This development was monumental because it facilitated literacy and education among the Cherokee, allowing them to record their history, engage with written communication, and foster a sense of cultural identity. As a result of Sequoya's work, the Cherokee Nation could produce books, newspapers, and other written materials in their own language, greatly enhancing their ability to function both socially and politically in their interactions with other cultures, especially during a time when their sovereignty was under threat.

The other options, while significant to the history of the Cherokee Nation, do not directly pertain to Sequoya's primary achievement. Establishing schools and facilitating treaties were important aspects of Cherokee history, but they do not reflect Sequoya's legacy as the creator of a written language for his people. Leading military campaigns does not apply to his contributions, since Sequoya was primarily focused on literacy and education rather than warfare or diplomatic negotiations.