Don’t Miss the Authentic Oconaluftee Indian Village

The Cherokee Historical Association is putting a new sheen to the historic Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. With inspiration that rises from he heart of their lineage, there is a renewed dedication to honoring the ancient story told at the Oconaluftee Village and in the drama “Unto These Hills” at the adjacent Mountainside Theatre.

Located in a forested cover, the Village sets on the very site where nomadic groups encamped 10,000 years ago. Tribal members, wearing the traditional dress of their ancestors, will daily perform the rites and practice the crafts as they were once a long time ago.

There is first hand knowledge in the hands of the Cherokee Indian crafts as they share the ways of the past. Tucked in among the winding trails of the Village the artisans produce basketry, woodcarving, pottery, finger weaving, crafting arrowheads, weapon making, building a dugout canoe, and demonstrating the use of the blowgun. These tribal members are sharing authentic craft making taught to them by their parents, whose parents taught them.

Indian guides, seeped in knowledge, tell of the culture of their fore bearers as they stroll from crafter to crafter, and then allow visitors to step inside replicas of the homes of ancient Cherokee, the replica of a Council House and Square ground where storytellers speak of the history and culture of the Cherokee.

A sense of devotion to culture and heritage resounds in the Oconaluftee Village that can be seen no where else in Cherokee, on the Qualla Boundary, for those who are recreating the lives of their ancestors are in touch with what it actually took to live this kind of life.

Opening its 55th season, the Village will welcome guests through October 25 this year. Times are daily and Sundays 9:00 am to 5:30 p.m.. Admission rates remain the same as last year: Adults: $13 and children (6-13) $6. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have arranged to provide complimentary tickets to North Carolina school age children, 4-H, Scouts and other organized groups studying Cherokee history. Check out their web site: www.oconalufteevillage.com or by calling (828)-497-2315