Cherokee Blog

Now in its 21st year, the Cherokee Voices Festival celebrates thousands of years of tradition in the southern Appalachians with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). A free daylong event of continuous performances and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee Voices shines a light on the people of Cherokee who carry traditions of the culture that have been passed down for generations. The next Cherokee Voices Festival will take place on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum in Cherokee, NC.

Each year, outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” presents a powerful retelling of the story of the Cherokee people in the Eastern region up and through the forced removal in 1838 known as the Trail of Tears. The 2018 season in Cherokee, NC, runs from June 2 to August 18, with shows at 8 p.m. each night, except Sundays when the theater is closed.

Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 1, come to the 2018 4th of July Powwow in Cherokee, North Carolina. This three-day event attracts people from around the world for dancing and drumming competitions, tribal regalia, crafts, food, and fireworks. This ticketed event is open the public. Everyone is invited to the Cherokee Powwow to hear, watch, enjoy, and learn about Native American cultures in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

If you’ve attended any major cultural events in Cherokee, NC, such as the Powwow or Cherokee Voices Festival, it’s likely you’ve been in the presence of Miss Cherokee. “My title is Goodwill Ambassador so I travel and represent the tribe, along Council or outside of Council, and I promote good will for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” says Faith Long, Miss Cherokee 2017.

Dancers, drummers, and singers from many Native American nations came together again this year to share their talents and cultures at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 43rd Annual 4th of July Powwow. Hundreds of competitors of all ages, from Tiny Tots (five and under) to the Golden Age (55 and older), danced alongside enrolled tribal members from across the Americas. Cherokee photographer Kristy Herron photographed the Powwow again this year. She shared some of her favorites with us. We love these shots, and hope you do, too!