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Cherokee, N.C. is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a culture rich in history dating back more than 11,000 years. Over a half million tourists journey to Cherokee each year to enjoy the legendary hospitality, living culture, rich tradition of art, and ancient history of the people known as the Ani-kituhwa-gi. Unlike many great cultures of the ancient past, the Eastern Band of Cherokees has survived physically, culturally, and spiritually. Today they are the only Native American tribe to still occupy their original homelands, the 100 square mile Qualla Boundary, a nature lovers paradise. Theirs is a culture that thrives amid the demands of modern existence while honoring, preserving, and in some cases resurrecting, age-old traditions such as dance, basket weaving and pottery. The Cherokee have continued to prosper by promoting their culture via tourism events and attractions that educate and entertain visitors such as The Oconaluftee Indian Village, “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama and The Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Cherokee Heritage

The story of the Cherokee can be seen at the Museum which features the award winning exhibit “Emissaries of Peace”, chronicling a peaceful 1762 encounter between the British and the Cherokee. “Emissaries of Peace,” was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, and received a presidential designation as a “We the People” exhibit. It was the only traveling exhibition produced by members of an American Indian tribe and was viewed by over 3.9 million visitors while at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in 2007.

One of the main attractions in Cherokee is “Unto These Hills…a retelling” - the third longest running outdoor drama in the nation. The poignant outdoor drama tells the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, from the arrival of the Europeans and forced exile along the Trail of Tears in 1838-39, to the ultimate revival of tribal life and tradition that survives today. The memorable drama features live music, ritual dance and authentic Cherokee costumes, set on stage in a 2,800-seat amphitheater. Since its inaugural debut in 1950, over 5 million visitors have attended the memorable “Unto These Hills”.

Visitors have been traveling back in time since 1952, to experience the Cherokee way of life, circa 1750 at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. While on tour, visitors will see residents in native dress involved in numerous activities – many still practiced today –such as canoe hulling, preparing corn bread, arrowhead knapping, mask making, pottery, story telling, basket weaving, beading and other native skills. Local clay, wood, stone, white oak and other natural materials are used to create hand crafted works of art using age old techniques. The living exhibits demonstrate that the Cherokee were responsible stewards of the beloved land of their ancestors and used it wisely. There was little waste of natural resources used in producing items needed for daily living, and reciprocity (giving back when something was used) was the custom. The village offers “Hands-on Cherokee” pottery, basket weaving and beading classes, were visitors can learn ancient techniques from master craftsman.

Furthermore, in efforts to sustain the land as well as the history of the people, Cherokee also provides historic hiking trails, botanical gardens, and stocked streams that are open to the public. The Cherokee Fish and Game Enterprise has been one of the most sustainable enterprises of the tribe. Each year, thirty miles of fast flowing streams are stocked with nearly 400,000 trout grown at the tribe’s own trout farm. In early August each year, Cherokee hosts the Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby, where up to 2,000 children are given poles and bait, and a chance to compete for prizes and trophies. The derby features fly-tying exhibitions, fish-cleaning stations, food and music and is free for children ages 11 and under.

Locals and visitors alike will find a quiet respite at the mile long nature trail located next to the Oconaluftee Village. The trail, lined with mixed pine and hardwood forest, is home to a botanical garden, planted with one hundred and fifty of the more than 400 indigenous plants, herbs and flowers once used by the Cherokee for food, medicine and ancient healing remedies.

Cherokee hosts more than 20 annual festivals and events that celebrate Native American traditions and customs while educating and entertaining visitors. Upcoming fall events include The Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration, Open Air Indian Markets (Aug. 30 & Oct. 18), the 96th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, and “Cruise the Smokies” Fall Cherokee Rod Run, among others. More information on events and attractions can be found on our website at: www.cherokee-nc.com.