Gaming has long been associated with the economy of tribal reservation areas, but one community is focusing on tourism as a way to preserve their heritage, and draw visitors in order to grow their economy. The goal is to keep more money in Cherokee and subsidize that income so the town can make it through the off-season each year from October to May, when very few tourists travel to Western NC.
During the tourist season, the Oconaluftee Indian Village offers cultural and educational attractions that lure visitors from all over the state and the southeast. The village's outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills," has been running for 59 seasons, and was recently revamped to present a more authentic perspective and to include actors who are Cherokee. In addition, the village's Festival of Native Peoples, which is held in July each year, features Cherokee dancers and authentic local artists and craftspeople.
The Oconaluftee Village also features its new "Hands-On Cherokee" classes, in which visitors can have the experience of creating handcrafted works of art such as pottery, fingerweaving, beadwork and baskets. These "hands-on" classes are taught by Cherokee artists using centuries-old techniques handed down from generation to generation.
And, all of these events and activities are promoted with a new goal in mind. Not only is the village seeking to bring money into the town's economy, but they are also educating visitors about who the Cherokee really are, and dismantling stereotypes about the native people in Western NC. The Oconaluftee Village, Qualla Arts Center and Museum of the Cherokee Indian are all working together to bring visitors to the area and to educate guests. This initiative not only allows the locals to share their crafts, culture and history, but also instills pride in a small town.
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An interview with Shirley Cloer