From prosperity to poverty and back again--three times! That’s the story of North Carolina's Cherokee Indians, as told in a new booklet published this week by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs.
“Indians of North Carolina," second in a series of regional brochures devoted to the life and times of American Indians, traces Cherokee history in the State from the 18th century to date. According to the booklet, progress of the tribe has been phenomenal in almost every field. For example:
Education---Percentage of Cherokee children attending public schools near the reservation is increasing each year. This practice, encouraged by both tribal leaders and BIA, will become more widespread as North Carolina public school facilities permit.
Industrial development---Using a combination of revolving BIA credit funds and tribal money, the tribe has encouraged the establishment of industry on the reservation to provide more jobs for Cherokees. Tribal investments in plants has totaled more than $230,000.
Tourism---Some five million tourists visit the reservation each year. The Boundary Tree Tribal Motel Enterprise is owned and operated by the Cherokees near the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, as well as many other tourist facilities.
The 16-page booklet includes photographs and maps. Copies are available at 15 cents apiece from Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. A discount of 25 percent is allowed on quantity orders of 100 or more, to be mailed to one address.
