Photo of clouds Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources

Five New Grants Will Support the Renewal of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources

BRYSON CITY, NC, March 29, 2005—Five new grants that support efforts to renew natural and cultural resources needed by Cherokee artists to perpetuate their crafts were announced today in connection with the RTCAR (Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources) initiative launched recently by Cherokee Preservation Foundation and operated through the Cherokee Studies Program of Western Carolina University. The grants total approximately $115,000 and are the first ever made in connection with RTCAR.

The grantees include:

  • Western Carolina University's Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, to plan for the establishment of a River Cane Research Station for Western North Carolina. River cane is an important cultural and economic plant for the Cherokee people, especially for Cherokee basket makers who need a high-quality resource for their traditional baskets. Pressures from agriculture and development have limited the amount of available cane, and before more cane is developed, research is needed to determine ideal conditions for establishing and sustaining canebrakes. The new research center will provide data for future cane restoration projects and help restore this important resource.
  • The University of Tennessee, to plant butternut seedlings to assist Cherokee artisans in the production of dyes for traditional baskets. One thousand seedlings will be established on the Kituhwa property owned by the Eastern Band. Partners include the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
  • The Asheville Art Museum, to support an exhibit that explores the evolution of Cherokee baskets over the past century. The exhibition will have the capability to travel to other venues beyond Western North Carolina. Partners in this endeavor include the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Cherokee basket artists and private lenders.
  • The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, to identify, collect, store and process clay for use in creating traditional Cherokee pottery, and also to train Cherokee youth to interview, photograph and videotape elders on how to gather natural resources. Local clay resources are in danger of being lost to development.
  • Cherokee Historical Association, to develop a plan to revitalize the Cherokee Botanical and Nature Garden to its original design, with an emphasis on native, culturally relevant plants. The garden is adjacent to Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee.

“We were very pleased that in RTCAR's first ever grant cycle, we received applications for high-quality projects that address such a broad range of RTCAR's objectives,” said David Cozzo, RTCAR Project Director. “These initial projects are geared toward preserving natural and cultural resources, involving Cherokee youth in perpetuating Cherokee artistic traditions, building public knowledge about Cherokee crafts and artisan resources, and establishing a network of organizations that demonstrate leadership toward the realization of RTCAR's goals.”

On May 9 and 10, RTCAR will host two related gatherings in Cherokee. The May 9 session will be a follow-up to a 2004 river cane symposium. On May 10, participants will concentrate on a Geographic Information System (GIS) and the need for natural and cultural resource mapping.

RTCAR's Fall 2005 grant cycle is fast approaching. Grant applications must be submitted to RTCAR's office no later than June 9.

For more information about the river cane symposium or grant submissions, contact the RTCAR office at 828-488-8495.