Cherokee Preservation Foundation

The Cherokee Preservation Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for the Fall 2026 grant cycle. The deadline to apply for a grant is Monday, June 1, 2026, before 5pm.

Rivercane is returning to Western North Carolina, and a new WUNC story looks at why that matters for streambanks, flood resilience, habitat, and Cherokee cultural preservation.

Once stripped from the landscape, rivercane is returning to WNC as a climate solution Rivercane enthusiasts hope this native bamboo can help to heal old harms to land and people – and strengthen the riverbank against the next flood.

18th Annual Cherokee Day of Caring reflects the spirit of Gadugi - The Cherokee One Feather The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, with the support of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the Offices of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) and Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) came together collaboratively for the 18th annual Day of Caring on Thursday, ...

CPF, RTCAR, Sequoyah Fund & Center for Native Health were well represented at The Council on Foundations Annual Conference - Building Together 2026 in Seattle earlier this month.

Unto These Hills, an outdoor historical drama tracing the Cherokee story from the years before the Trail of Tears to the present day, returns May 30 for its 76th anniversary season at Mountainside Theatre.

This year’s production features Native artists representing five federally recognized tribes, recent theatre upgrades, and the continued sharing of Cherokee history through one of the region’s most important cultural experiences.

We’re proud to support improvements that help strengthen the guest experience and prepare Mountainside Theatre for the season ahead.

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Returns for 76th Anniversary Season Beginning May 30th Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Returns for 76th Anniversary Season Beginning May 30th. The beloved outdoor drama, Unto These Hills, is set to captivate audiences once again as it opens its 76th Anniversary Season on Saturday, May 30th. - PR13145613

The Cherokee Historical Association is preparing for a major milestone, and we’re proud to support the work that helps make it possible.

A new grant from our foundation will help strengthen the visitor experience at Oconaluftee Indian Village and Mountainside Theatre, supporting improvements that preserve Cherokee history and culture while preparing these important sites for the future.

Read more about the grant and what’s ahead:

Cherokee Historical Association Awarded $520,000 Grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation Cherokee Historical Association Awarded $520,000 Grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) is proud to announce it has been awarded $520,000 in grant funding from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. - PR13145608

It’s a great day for A Cherokee Day of Caring! Let’s get this day started!

Western North Carolina’s craft traditions have always been tied to the land. Regional artists are using materials like river cane and local clay to preserve traditional practices while reducing environmental impact.

The Biltmore Beacon offers a thoughtful look at how craft, culture, and care for the land continue to intersect in WNC.

Sustainable craft in WNC: Preserving tradition, protecting the earth Artists in WNC use local river cane, plentiful clay, discarded chairs and even invasive plants to create sustainable craft that preserves land and traditions.

Earthen mounds across the United States hold deep cultural and historical significance for Indigenous communities, yet many have been lost or remain outside tribal ownership. A new episode of The Broadside explores efforts to protect these sites, including work underway in Franklin, North Carolina.

Hear perspectives from Cherokee cultural leaders, researchers, and regional reporters as they discuss preservation, stewardship, and the path toward returning these places to tribal care. Listen at the link below.

Sacred soil: Saving Native American mounds The fascinating story of one mound in Franklin, North Carolina is highlighting efforts to preserve these important sites and put them back in tribal hands.

Visit The Museum of the Cherokee People on May 7 for a close look at the lives of 11 ancestors from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Presented by David Armenti, the talk draws on genealogical research to explore how Cherokee families experienced their educational journeys from Big Cove to federal boarding schools. It also examines the lasting impacts on language, identity, and community.

Local Events Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: