Cherokee Blog

For the last 13 years, the Warriors of AniKituhwa have been delighting and educating audiences in Cherokee, NC, and beyond. The dance group consists of eight men who are all enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and are designated official cultural ambassadors. Some of the popular Cherokee social dances they perform include the Bear Dance, Beaver Hunting Dance, and the Friendship Dance where everyone is invited to join in. 

During the holiday season, it’s fun to pick out gifts for your loved ones that reflect their personality and interests. Because of the time, energy, and creativity that go into making them, handmade and artisanal items can make thoughtful presents that your friends and family will love. We’re so fortunate that Cherokee, North Carolina, is home to many artists and craftspeople who share their talents with us. These artists are preserving traditional methods and materials, while adding their own special twists and talents.

More than just a means of communication, language is intrinsic to cultural identity and group solidarity. For the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, their native tongue is in danger of being lost. In this post, we look at some of the successful courses and resources that help college students and adults, who had no prior experience speaking or reading Cherokee, begin to master the language.

If you’ve visited the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC, within the last 30 years, you probably noticed a massive 22-foot tall wooden bust of Sequoyah just outside the building’s entrance. Its beauty and magnificence are hard to miss! But do you know the story of why a Hungarian-born American felt called to sculpt this statue—and a similar one in each of the 50 states— for free?

Planning your trip to Cherokee, NC, this summer? Whether it’s your first time or your annual family tradition, there’s a ton to see and do—you won’t want to miss a thing! With so much happening, including over a hundred free events throughout the year, we’ve put together a list of our top five favorite Cherokee summer experiences that your whole family will enjoy.