MEET THE CHEROKEE at OCONALUFTEE

Before chiseled pictures, before recorded time, before the written word (the “talking leaves”), there was oral history...stories, myths and legends passed down, generation to generation. The preservation of the old ways, the true art of being in tune with the earth, in tune with the inner spirit of humanity is seen in the “art” of being a particular people.

The Cherokee, the Principle People, and their way of life are presented to the public at the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. This art of being a particular people flowers within this recreated Cherokee community of the 1750s, where daily demonstrations of the early life of Western North Carolina’s native people can be seen up close and personal.

Located in the forested cove adjacent to the Mountainside Theatre, where the drama “Unto These Hills” is presented, the village is historically recreated on the site where nomadic groups camped 10,000 years ago. Cherokee men, women and young adults (only members of the Eastern Bank of Cherokee are demonstrating, wearing the traditional dress of their ancestors, daily perform the rites and practice the crafts as they were before European settlers invaded the American interior.

In Oconaluftee, the visitor can meet and feel the closeness of the Cherokee of today as the Cherokee tell their own story. There is passion in their voices as they tell you about their land, their government and their history. When you walk up to the artisans it is easy to see the concentration as they make pottery, create bead word, make baskets and masks and finger woven sashes and belts, all in the tradition of their ancestors.

There is a sense of devotion to culture and heritage in the Village and a dedication to the preservation of the old ways of this unique and particular people.

The tour through the Village and Cherokee Nature Trail and Indian garden takes about two hours, a tour where you get to know your personal Cherokee escorts...guides who have studied their history and care about sharing it with you.

An added bonus for fall visitors is the beautiful Nature Trail, as many different species of trees and plants indigenous to the area take on the fall colors.

For more information you can visit www.oconalufteevillage.com or call 828-497-2111 or 2315. The Village is open 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily through October 25th, and is located on Highway 441 N. near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.