The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the North Carolina state government, and several nonprofit organizations are working to preserve and promote the Cherokee’s rich cultural heritage through various programs and initiatives.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation
The tribe’s official website provides information on tribal initiatives, community affairs, and genealogy/tribal enrollment.
Cherokee Preservation Foundation
An organization dedicated to helping members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and neighboring communities preserve Cherokee culture, create jobs and other economic development opportunities, and renew the environment in the Qualla Boundary and the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina in which the EBCI’s tribal lands are located. The Foundation provides funding and an extensive listing of other resources available for preserving Cherokee culture and expanding economic opportunity.
Museum of the Cherokee People
The Museum’s extensive archives and collections are an essential resource for scholars and researchers.
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The state agency works to preserve history and culture and to recognize and promote the state’s cultural resources. Some of its main divisions are:
• North Carolina Office of Archives and History
• North Carolina Historical Commission
• Western Office of Archives and History
• North Carolina Arts Council
• North Carolina State Library
Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources (RTCAR)
The Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources initiative is a multi-year grantmaking program whose purpose is to assist the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as the tribe works to restore the traditional Cherokee balance between maintaining and using natural resources like river cane, white oak, and clay.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University offers students and scholars a wide range of academic and support services in partnership with the Cherokee community. The University operates the Western Carolina University-Cherokee Center, which serves tribal and non-tribal residents of Cherokee, NC, and surrounding communities.
