05/16/2026
Cherokee is so rad!
Here are 5 fun, modern-day facts about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and life around Cherokee that surprise a lot of visitors:
1. Many Cherokee kids grow up learning the Cherokee language again
The Cherokee language almost disappeared, but immersion schools in Cherokee now teach children in both English and Cherokee. You’ll even see Cherokee syllabary on street signs, schools, and government buildings.
2. The tribe runs a huge modern tourism and business economy
Cherokee isn’t just history museums and crafts — the tribe owns and operates hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, attractions, and the major Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, which employs thousands of people across Western North Carolina.
3. Stickball is still a real thing — and it gets intense
Traditional Cherokee stickball is sometimes called “the little brother of war.” Modern games are still played during festivals and cultural events, and it’s way rougher and faster than most people expect. Think lacrosse with fewer pads and more pride.
4. Many Cherokee artists blend old traditions with modern style
You’ll find traditional basket weaving and beadwork right alongside contemporary art, streetwear, music, photography, and digital design. A lot of younger Cherokee creators are mixing Appalachian, Native, and modern outdoor culture together in really cool ways.
5. The Great Smoky Mountains are spiritually important — not just scenic
For many Cherokee people, the mountains around Great Smoky Mountains National Park are deeply tied to stories, medicine gathering, ancestors, and identity. A hike there can feel more like visiting sacred family land than just going to a park.
Bonus fun one:
* Fry bread tacos and bean bread are still staples at many community events — but yes, Cherokee also has coffee shops, food trucks, breweries nearby, and plenty of normal small-town mountain life too. It’s a blend of tradition and modern Appalachian culture.
