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Horizontal shot of woman working on pottery under hut while surrounded by other handmade crafts.

Things to Do

Native American Culture & History

North Carolina’s Native communities aren’t just a part of the state’s past, they are a vital, living force in its present and future. We are home to eight state-recognized tribes, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose ancestral roots in these mountains stretch back more than 10,000 years. From world-renowned basketry and beadwork to public festivals, museums and heritage sites, these communities' contributions are woven into North Carolina's culture not as artifacts, but as evolving, creative expressions.

A Story Still Being Written

Visitors are invited to listen, learn and engage with respect in a vibrant Native culture that’s alive, grounded in place and proudly carried forward.

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Places to Explore Native American Culture in North Carolina

You can immerse yourself in stories from Native cultures through dramas or by visiting living history museums across North Carolina. Crafts, architecture, clothing, and tools give color and texture to a way of life largely unknown to many of today’s visitors.
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Explore North Carolina from a Native American’s Perspective