Cultural Heritage

Experience Cherokee Heritage At The Qualla Boundary

Your whole village gathers on the banks of the Oconaluftee each morning. All enter the water, face east, and pray to the seven directions, the four cardinal points, the sky, the earth, and the center or spirit. You give thanks for the new day, and wash away any feelings separating you from your family, neighbors, or the Creator. This is duyuktv "the right way", the Cherokee Way.

When you visit Cherokee, North Carolina, you can almost imagine yourself living this way. Here, the same mountains where the Cherokees have maintained their traditions for generations surround you. People who proudly preserve a culture far older than the new nation that surrounds them, welcome you.

Experience the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through several cultural attractions:

Museum of the Cherokee Indian
The museum combines technology (computer-generated images, holographic imaging, specialty lighting and audio) with a large artifact collection, education programs and the Cherokee gift for story telling. After a five-month run at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Emissaries of Peace: The 1762 Cherokee and British Delegations returned to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The exhibit chronicles the 1762 trip of Cherokee leaders to London to meet King George III. Artifacts in the exhibit include peace pipes, weapons, uniforms, jewelry, documents and artwork. The exhibit also features videos, interactive displays and dioramas.

Oconaluftee Indian Village
Experience an authentic 18th-century Native American community in this recreated village that includes replicas of Cherokee homes, council house and squareground. Cherokee artisans and guides demonstrate and explain the arts and crafts and the lifestyle and culture of their ancestors.

"Unto These Hills"
On stage for more than 50 years, this outdoor drama portrays the history of the Cherokee Indians. In 2006, “Unto These Hills” incorporated a new script, set design, costuming and cast members all aimed at conveying a more culturally authentic, historically accurate and Cherokee-centered experience.

added: December 9, 2008

updated: June 29, 2009