Cherokee Friends Promote Cultural Tourism on the Qualla Boundary

Cherokee tourism advertisement for the 2012 seasonThe Cherokee Friends are goodwill ambassadors who greet visitors to the Qualla Boundary each summer, offering directions, advice and some history, often teaching visitors words and phrases in the Cherokee language. Members dress authentically like their 18th century ancestors.  The group has become a popular element of cultural tourism in Cherokee, and its effort is managed by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

“A lot of visitors are really interested in our culture, and we point them to Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum,” said Kim Bottchenbaugh, a bead artist who has participated in Cherokee Friends. “And many people want to know where they can get authentic Cherokee art and we tell them about Qualla Arts & Crafts and the privately owned stores that sell the work of Cherokee artists and crafters.”

During summers, the Cherokee Friends are out and about Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout Cherokee’s commercial and cultural districts, including posts near the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Cherokee Visitor Center’s Downtown Kiosk.

Cherokee Friends also partners with Cherokee Transit to provide informational tours on the trip back and forth between Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge and Cherokee on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The Cherokee Friend on each bus during those periods provides an educational talk about Cherokee history, culture, events and attractions. Using Cherokee Transit allows Cherokee, NC, visitors to enjoy the trip to Tennessee without having to get behind the wheel themselves.  The route runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy. 441).

“Cherokee Friends is a fun, accessible way to serve our guests with accurate information about Cherokee history,” said Loretta Kirby, former Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds Coordinator. “They are approachable and eager to interact with visitors.”

The Cherokee Friends program is funded by Cherokee Preservation Foundation.