The Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources (RTCAR) initiative is a multi-year grantmaking program whose purpose is to assist the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as the tribe works to restore the traditional Cherokee balance between maintaining and using natural resources like river cane, white oak and clay. Funded by Cherokee Preservation Foundation and operated through the Cherokee Studies program at Western Carolina University, RTCAR has been undertaken to teach, protect and promote Cherokee traditional art, resources and land care for present and future generations.