Cherokee Preservation Foundation

09/04/2026

A new documentary is shining a light on the deep connection between rivercane and Cherokee culture.

“Raising Cane: The Cherokee and Rivercane” explores the plant’s longtime importance for basketry, tools and other traditional uses, along with efforts to restore rivercane to a landscape where only a small fraction of its historic range remains.

The film premieres Sept. 19 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock.

Learn more in the Transylvania Times:

Imagine a mystery plant that could protect riverbanks from flooding and erosion, that was an important habitat for wildlife and was an essential staple for southeastern native tribes including the

08/29/2026

Just across the state border from Cherokee, in Vonore, TN, the 35th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival will take place at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum on September 12 and 13.

The two-day festival offers an opportunity to experience Cherokee culture and history through traditional arts and crafts, food, music, dance and living history demonstrations. The Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa, official cultural ambassadors of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will also perform.

https://www.thedailytimes.com/community/sequoyah-birthplace-museum-to-present-cherokee-fall-festival/article_29def176-56e0-457f-801e-e292e9730f20.html

08/27/2026

WATCH: Tune in to PBS North Carolina at 8 p.m. tonight to see Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual featured in "Ten to Try by Way of the Blue Ridge", a new PBS North Carolina program highlighting 10 destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The segment will explore Cherokee basketry, pottery, carving and other traditional art forms.

Public Broadcasting North Carolina's 10 to Try will feature popular destinations in western North Carolina for the fall.

08/26/2026

For generations, Cherokee clans have helped shape identity, family relationships and responsibilities within the community.

Cherokee society is traditionally matrilineal, meaning clan membership is passed through the mother. The seven clans are Bird, Blue, Deer, Long Hair, Paint, Wild Potato and Wolf, each with its own history and traditional role within Cherokee society.

Learn more about the Cherokee Seven Clans and the traditions connected to each:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of theCherokee people in Cherokee, NC.

08/06/2026

Cherokee beadwork carries generations of artistry, knowledge and personal meaning.

Learn about the natural materials once used by Cherokee beadworkers, the evolution of beading techniques and how today’s artists create patterns inspired by Cherokee stories, beliefs and community values.

https://visitcherokeenc.com/culture/cherokee-beadwork/

08/01/2026

Cherokee has been named one of nine must-see historic towns in North Carolina by WorldAtlas.

The article highlights the Museum of the Cherokee People, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Unto These Hills and Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual as places where visitors can experience Cherokee history, art and culture through Cherokee voices.

Explore NC's historic towns, from the 1585 lost colony of Roanoke to the oldest Palmer-Marsh House in Bath, for a deep dive into America's past.

07/29/2026

Experience Cherokee stories, creativity and culture at The Way We See the World, the Museum of the Cherokee People’s annual Indigenous pop culture event. It takes place on Friday, August 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

The free program features short films, a live DJ set, an art market and a silent auction.

Our Foundation is proud to support this event highlighting Native creativity and self-representation.

Learn more and reserve free tickets:

The Museum of the Cherokee People’s annual Indigenous pop culture event “The Way We See the World” will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Now in its fifth year, MOTCP’s signature summer event showcases contemporary perspe...

07/17/2026

WATCH: Kingsport marks 50 years since returning land to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For centuries, the Long Island of the Holston served as a sacred Cherokee council ground.

Long Island of the Holston: Kingsport marks 50 years since returnin...

07/08/2026

The Town of Murphy has approved the transfer of Fort Butler Park to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, marking an important step in honoring Cherokee history and stewardship.

Fort Butler is deeply tied to the history of Cherokee removal and the Trail of Tears. Returning this site to EBCI helps ensure that its story is preserved, interpreted and cared for by the people whose history it holds.

The Murphy Town Council approved transferring Fort Butler Park to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at no cost, honoring the site's historical significance as a military headquarters during the Trail of Tears, ensuring the tribe can preserve and interpret their history.

06/30/2026

For generations, the story of the Cherokee people was often told by others. Today, The Museum of the Cherokee People is helping change that.

A new WLOS feature shares how the museum is reclaiming Cherokee history, identity and culture through Cherokee voices, while correcting long-held misconceptions and honoring the deep connection between the Cherokee people and their homeland.

For generations, the story of the Cherokee people has often been told by outsiders. At the Museum of the Cherokee People, they are working to change that.