Cherokee Blog

If you missed this year’s Annual 4th of July Powwow in Cherokee, don’t despair. There’s always next year! Plus, we were fortunate enough to have these incredible photos shared with us by Cherokee photographer Kristy Herron. These rich images, filled with dynamic motion and fantastic color, will put you front and center of the celebration. Look closely and you may find you can almost hear the beat of the drum, the heartbeat of the powwow.

For the last 13 years, the Warriors of AniKituhwa have been delighting and educating audiences in Cherokee, NC, and beyond. The dance group consists of eight men who are all enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and are designated official cultural ambassadors. Some of the popular Cherokee social dances they perform include the Bear Dance, Beaver Hunting Dance, and the Friendship Dance where everyone is invited to join in. 

Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 1, come to the 2018 4th of July Powwow in Cherokee, North Carolina. This three-day event attracts people from around the world for dancing and drumming competitions, tribal regalia, crafts, food, and fireworks. This ticketed event is open the public. Everyone is invited to the Cherokee Powwow to hear, watch, enjoy, and learn about Native American cultures in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Dancers, drummers, and singers from many Native American nations came together again this year to share their talents and cultures at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 43rd Annual 4th of July Powwow. Hundreds of competitors of all ages, from Tiny Tots (five and under) to the Golden Age (55 and older), danced alongside enrolled tribal members from across the Americas. Cherokee photographer Kristy Herron photographed the Powwow again this year. She shared some of her favorites with us. We love these shots, and hope you do, too!