Mission Statement

Cherokee Studies develops and coordinates programs and courses relating to Native American or Cherokee studies and serves as a resource for Native American students and the Cherokee community.  Goals of Cherokee Studies include expanding course offerings especially in the Cherokee language, develop an exchange program involving faculty and students, increase the enrollment of Cherokee and other Native American students at Western; increase the number of Cherokee Studies students; involve members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation in every class within the Cherokee Studies program as instructors, co-instructors, or presenters; interpret and increase awareness of the cultural landscape of our campus; increase awareness of Cherokee history and culture within the university community and within the Cherokee community; and  promote long-term partnerships with the Eastern Band to promote community development and revitalization.