Starting on May 18, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian introduced a new program called “Cherokee Friends” with the group’s goal being to give visitors the “Cherokee Experience” through an exhibition in history, storytelling, making fire, carving, traditional games and much more.The “Cherokee Friends” are all enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and were specifically chosen for the program due to their public experience and knowledge of the culture.
From the Museum of Cherokee Indian
Press Release
“Cherokee Friends,” Ani-Tsalagi Digali, is an exciting new program that will expand visitors’ experiences in Cherokee North Carolina. The “Cherokee Friends” will be meeting the public at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and at locations throughout downtown Cherokee, North Carolina, beginning Monday May 18, 2015. They will offer free programs for visitors and will be available for longer programs for groups who schedule a “Cherokee Experience” through the Museum. Their talks and demonstrations will include dance, storytelling, history, carving, making fire, the chunkey game, use of the atlatl and more. They will be available to answer visitors’ questions about Cherokee cultural attractions, golf, fishing, and special events.
“We hope the “Cherokee Friends” will give our visitors a more in-depth look at Cherokeehistory and culture,” said Bo Taylor, Executive Director of the Museum. The program is funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
The group includes Mike Crowe, Manager; J. D. Arch, Sonny Ledford, John Toineeta, Dakota Wilnoty and Last Bear Wilnoty. All are enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The Friends were selected for their ability to work with the public and their knowledge of the culture. The Museum provided further training in archaeology, history, anthropology, and folklore, and provided access to Archives and Collections for research by the group. In addition, they learned skills like making fire with a bow drill, and created their own moccasins. They are dressed in the Cherokee style of the 1700s.
They will be scheduled in the Museum Lobby and on stages at the Welcome Center, Saunooke Village and the Horseshoe in downtown Cherokee. Dates and times will be posted on the Museum website at www.cherokeemuseum.org, and on the Museum’s Facebook page. For a schedule or more information contact Mike Crowe at 828-497-3481 x 202 or mcrowe@cherokeemuseum.org.
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