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It's about that time... [Gif made by me.]

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nostalgicraindrops

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Soco Falls 8 .10 .2024

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Dry Falls, NC 8 .10 .24 pt. 3

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Dry Falls, NC 8 .10 .24 pt. 2

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Dry Falls, NC 8 .10 .24 pt. 1

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Preserve our First Nation History.

What is happening to our Natives!?

Our First Nation, Native Americans are being erased at a faster pace now more than ever. Casinos paired with the current generation's false cries of misappropriations seem to be a couple of root causes. This is simply an outsider's perspective looking into the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians [EBCI.]

I've always been drawn to Native culture as I'm 12.5% Creek Indian. One of my great grandfathers was a surviving Red Stick among the Upper Creek Indian Tribe. I think he - in part - is where I get my system of traditional beliefs of leadership and culture. I hope you enjoy my insight.

Pictured is one of only two traditional stores left in all of Cherokee, NC. I mean ALL of Cherokee. I spoke with Mr. Smith, the owner / operator of the pictured Bearmeat's Indian Den who is also a Tribal Council Member of the EBCI. In our conversation I explained how I've been coming to Cherokee ever since I was child. I remembered the outdoor educational plays, tribesmen in full Cherokee Indian regalia as well as the shops that lined downtown Cherokee. If you stopped and talked to a Native, you'd be welcomed and told one of many stories of their history and most times, a personal one of their own family. The shops would be filled with scents of wood, tobacco, leather skins, various smokes, meats and sweet treats. Their windows would be adorned with authentic dream catchers, Native designed quilts, animal skins, art pieces, totems, wood carvings as well as crafted knives, bows and arrows. The rule was if any item whatsoever was to be sold out of a Cherokee store front, it was mandatory that it be hand made, of the tribe or blessed by chief council. What made Cherokee, NC even more unique is that its technically not a reservation, although deemed one for the EBCI Cherokee's own all the land within their Qualla boundary, outright.

Fast forward to today and Harrah's Casino has taken over. Yes, the Cherokees get a semi annual check that literally takes care of their housing and all of their essentials to where it [in the words of one of the tribesmen] "basically pays for everything outside their car and cell phone bill." Which may seem great to some but the vote for the casino was nearly split. And the housing? Yeah, it's nice but they deserve better than what meets the eye. And at what cost is all of this? The stores from days past? They're still there but it's now filled with plastic toys and Indian knock offs that are no better than a beach side souvenir store from a popular spring break destination. And where is everything made? Yep! China. The head-dressed tribesmen and regalia? Well, the new generation deems it degrading and should not be celebrated on the street corners. Mind you, the Cherokees of days past OWN this land. This wasn't a force of government or of the "white man" to perform these dances. It was a way to educate and preserve their culture. But the current generation who was almost split with the outgoing council in bringing in the casino deems the regalia demeaning. Now, the streets are lined with knock off souvenir shops and tribesmen in formal attire, not only in the streets, but in the theatres and museums. The shops are now leased out to Hispanic and Isreali owners. Not to cause disrespect to either for each and every are beautiful but the Qualla land as we know it? It's disappeared. Smith? He's tried teaming up with fellow council members to open more shops, to collaborate and restore the culture that once was to no avail due to rising costs. For if not the dancing, if not the plays, if not the authenticity lining the downtown strip… How will we ever know the story and history of the REAL Cherokee Indians? We won't and like most issues facing history today given many demographics, they'll be nothing more than a headline and a photo.

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CLOUDLAND CANYON . RISING FAWN, GA

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