Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area to host free Cherokee cultural events September 21

News Release
September 16, 2024

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) will host a special day of free events on September 21, 2024, as part of its Indigenous Voices in Appalachia program. The program aims to highlight the rich Appalachian arts and traditions of the Cherokee people.

These events will take place at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center at Darden Mill, 101 Railroad Ave., Elkins. The day will feature various presentations and workshops, culminating in an evening performance at the Arts Center, 2 Park St., Elkins, showcasing Cherokee dance, storytelling and music.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people,” said Larry Jent, AFNHA Deputy Director. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to this free event and celebrate the vibrant traditions of our Indigenous communities.”

Schedule of Events:

9:30 AM: Appalachian Forest Discovery Center opens.
10:00 AM: Presentation: Cherokee Finger Weaving with Amanda McCoy. Learn about this beautiful and timeless textile tradition and its historical significance.
11:00 AM: Make and Take Workshop: Copper Comes to Life with Nathan Bush. Explore the ancient art of Cherokee copperwork and create your own piece. Pre-registration required (email larry@afnha.org) and a $12 materials fee applies.
12:00 PM: Presentation: Sequoyah and the Talking Leaves with Matt Tooni. Discover the story of Sequoyah’s revolutionary syllabary and its impact on Cherokee literacy and cultural preservation.
1:00 PM: Make and Take Workshop: Learn the Art of Finger Weaving with Amanda McCoy and Winona George. Learn basic finger weaving techniques and create your own Cherokee-style piece. $10 materials fee applies. Pre-registration required (email larry@afnha.org).
1:00 PM: Presentation: Cherokee Ways of Life with Kody Grant. Explore the history and ongoing influence of the Cherokee people in American life.
2:00 PM: Presentation: Copper from Creation with Nathan Bush. Delve deeper into the symbolism and importance of copper in Cherokee culture and witness how Nathan Bush carries this tradition forward.
3:00 PM: Presentation: Music is Life with Matt Tooni. Experience the captivating sounds of traditional Cherokee music with storyteller and musician Matt Tooni.
6:30 PM: Evening Performance at the Arts Center (2 Park St, Elkins): Don’t miss the captivating evening event featuring Cherokee dance, storytelling and music! This program offers entertainment for all ages. A square dance will follow as part of the 2024 Fiddlers Reunion.

For more information about the Indigenous Voices in Appalachia program and the September 21 event, visit the AFNHA website at www.afnha.org or call (304) 636-6182. This event is supported by the Arts Center and Augusta Heritage Center and funded in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.