Monthly Cherokee Heritage Day Debuts January 14

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will host a new program series called Cherokee Heritage Day on the second Saturday of every month, beginning in January. This event—free and open to the public—will feature hands-on activities, storytelling, dance, and cultural demonstrations, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first Cherokee Heritage Day will take place on Saturday, January 14.

Each month will offer something different, so people can visit on a regular basis and continue to learn about different aspects of Cherokee history and culture. In Cherokee language, January is Dunolvtanv, the windy month. In honor of this theme, blowguns, flutes, and storytelling will be featured throughout the day.

Cherokee Heritage Day builds on the success of Native American Heritage Day, which was held at the Museum last November, as part of Native American Heritage Month.

Schedule

11 a.m. to noon Flute playing workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt. Bring your own flute, purchase one in the Museum Store, or borrow one from the Museum (for the first ten participants).Noon to 1 p.m. Blowgun workshop. Watch the Cherokee Friends demonstrate the blowgun, try it yourself, and then compete in a blowgun contest! Bring your own blowgun and darts, purchase them in the Museum Store, or borrow one from the Museum (for the first ten participants).

1–2 p.m. Storytelling with Jerry Wolfe, Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

1–2 p.m. Flute playing workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt. Bring your own flute, purchase one in the Museum Store, or borrow one from the Museum (for the first ten participants).

2–3 p.m. Blowgun workshop.

3–4 p.m. Traditional Cherokee dancing for everyone with the Cherokee Friends.

Beginning at 4 p.m., there will be a special Storytelling Extravaganza with Lloyd Arneach, Kathi Littlejohn, and Matthew Tooni, in the Education Wing.                                      

Throughout the Day

During the day, you’ll have many opportunities to interact with special guests. Jerry Wolfe will carve stickball sticks in the lobby of the Museum. Richard Saunooke will be making moccasins and wampum belts in the lobby. The Cherokee Friends will demonstrate firemaking, the atlatl, and chunkey stones (weather permitting).

The schedule is subject to change.     

Want to Come?

We’d love to see you! The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is located at 589 Tsali Boulevard in Cherokee, NC. For more information, click here, or call 828.497.3481. The Cherokee Day activities are free and regular Museum ticket prices for entry into the exhibit still apply.