RTCAR

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.

As a result of agricultural land clearing, dam-building projects, modern-era land development and other circumstances over the past century or more, the natural resources used by Cherokee artisans for centuries are becoming scarce on the Qualla Boundary and in other local areas. Quality river cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and white oak (Quercus alba) used to make baskets are very difficult to find locally, and so is the clay that Cherokee potters need. Carvers have resource problems as well because the wood and stone they need is often in areas with restricted access.

RTCAR is focused on basket making materials and associated dye plants, clay for potters and materials for carvers. The project will eventually expand to include culturally significant edible and medicinal plant resources. Teaching Cherokee youth about the Eastern Band's artistic traditions is another aspect of RTCAR.