This spring, visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Cherokees.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians are partnering to host Cherokee Days at the museum.
The three-day event runs March 31-April 2 and is free to attend.
“We have established an excellent partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian that annually celebrates the shared history and heritage of the Cherokee people,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “This event is a unique showcase and educational opportunity focused on our tribal lifeways. Our artisans, culture keepers and historians from the federally recognized governments of the Cherokee are able to come together as family and share our rich story that is so prominent in America’s history.”
DANCING: Performers from the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians perform a traditional dance at a past Cherokee Days event at NMAI. (Cherokee Nation photo)
Cherokee Days shares the authentic history of the Cherokees through a timeline exhibit, live cultural art demonstrations and cultural performances. Among the art demonstrations are pottery making, basket weaving, carving and textiles.
“You will learn the tribal stories of the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee. Our history is interwoven in the stories of survival, enrichment and the golden years,” said United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Joe Bunch. “Cherokee Days at the Smithsonian promises to be a highly informative and enlightening learning experience. We have a wonderful opportunity to share our unique story and our culture with thousands of visitors in Washington, D.C.”
As part of the event, there is a make-and-take experience that provides children an opportunity to create traditionally inspired Cherokee items.
The filmmakers of “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People” will screen episodes of its Emmy-winning series each day and host a Q&A on Saturday, April 1.
“Cherokee Days is a unique opportunity for visitors and guests to experience the rich culture and history of the Cherokee people,” said Principal Chief Patrick Lambert. “At a time where there is increasing demand to learn more about the First Americans, working together the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee weave an incredible experience in the heart of the nation’s capital. We look to not only showcase our historical Cherokee values, we want to show how we have evolved and retained our culture in a modern world.”
Those unable to attend the event in person can still take part in the Cherokee Days experience through an interactive website by visiting www.CherokeeDays.com .
The site provides a detailed agenda of daily activities and performances, access to information and photos from each tribe’s social media accounts, and live streaming throughout the event.
– Cherokee Nation
