Fort Dobbs To Showcase Cherokee Culture July 27

Fort Dobbs will highlight the resilience of Native American culture with a visit by a group of educators known as the Atsila Anotasgi or "Fire Builders" on July 27.

Serving the Museum of the Cherokee People, the group is comprised of enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who are passionate about reconnecting with and preserving their heritage while educating other communities about Eastern Cherokee beliefs and traditions through dance performances, art demonstrations, and storytelling sessions.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the group will offer several ongoing displays near the Fort Dobbs visitor center including basket making and finger weaving. A traditional dance display is scheduled for 1p.m., in which visitors are invited to participate.

More information about the Museum of the Cherokee People may be found at www.motcp.org

About Fort Dobbs
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site's mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Fort Dobbs and North Carolina's role in the French and Indian War. It is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Special events and living history weekends are offered throughout the year. It is part of the Division of N.C. State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.