Snowbird – During the Trail of Tears – when many Snowbird Cherokee in Graham County were forcibly evicted from their land to make way for European settlers, starting in the 1830s – some escaped into the wilds.
Their descendants have been holding an annual festival highlighting Snowbird Cherokee culture and traditions.
Called “Fading Voices,” the 36th annual demonstration was held Saturday beside Little Snowbird Baptist Church, shaded by trees along the banks of Little Snowbird Creek.
The event included an observance of Memorial Day and a sacred mound ceremony, during which visitors were invited to bring a cup or turtle shell full of dirt from home to spread on the mound.
The event drew hundreds of visitors who got to taste traditional Cherokee dishes including fry bread, bean bread and chestnut bread, fatback, beans and hominy, and fried potatoes with ramps.
Demonstrations included Cherokee hymns and language, wood carving, basket weaving with white oak and river cane, corn beading, butter churning, corn pounding, and soap making.
There was a cast-iron lid toss competition, along with a stickball game and friendship dance, as well.
Matthew Tooni, a tribal member from Cherokee, performed “Taps” on a trumpet during the Memorial Day observance and then treated visitors to a selection of Cherokee music performed on his native flute.
The annual event seeks to maintain tribal traditions and language while at the same time demonstrating Cherokee culture to visitors. It is also a reunion opportunity for Snowbird Cherokee and is regarded as one of Graham County’s most important annual cultural events.