Would it perhaps be simpler to say "I am part Cherokee"?

Yes, it would. If I had been addressing only people whom I knew would get the reference, I would have said that. I was thinking that perhaps some readers of this board might not.

Speaking of getting references, would you be so kind as to explain, shanks, what you meant by irony being too subtle for Americans?

Speaking of getting references, the following post reminded me of what happens when I read Shakespeare: I can read every word, but have NO CLUE as to what was said.
Definitely the way it really happened! All very impressive being Magister Ludi, but when did he last get a ball in the back of the net, eh?

D-Bhurg-ash wasn't really a coward, by the way. It had just occurred to her that there wasn't room in the pantry cave for yet another mammoth leg. She'd been on at A-Wod-lah for ages to finish the cave extension, but where was he yet again? Off comparing mammoth sizes with the other boys.