Cherokee Studies Summit
When: March 26-27, 2026 (with a screening of PBS's A Sacred Thread documentary followed by discussion on March 25) - Where: ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, Bardo Arts Center (Cullowhee, NC)
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Cherokee Studies Summit, formerly known as the Cherokee Language Summit, has served as a collaborative gathering space for educators, learners, knowledge keepers, and community partners in Cherokee language and culture since 2017. The Summit continues its mission of fostering meaningful dialogue and strengthening networks across universities, tribal programs, and cultural institutions.
This year’s Summit brings together instructors, students, Cherokee speakers, scholars, and cultural practitioners to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning Cherokee language, history, and culture. Through presentations, collaborative workshops, film screenings, and peer exchange sessions, participants will engage with emerging scholarship, digital archiving initiatives, community‑led projects, and intergenerational perspectives on language and cultural preservation.
In addition to academic sessions, attendees will experience living Cherokee culture through visits to significant cultural and historical sites, opportunities for guided reflection on Cherokee landscapes, and participation in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Spring Social Dance. The Summit blends scholarship, community knowledge, and experiential learning to strengthen cultural understanding and support ongoing efforts to revitalize and sustain Cherokee language and lifeways.
Registration is free for members of state or federally recognized tribes or employees of tribal programs. Registration is also free for students and employees of colleges and universities. (See Tribal Member/Educator/Student Option. A 100% off discount will automatically be added at checkout.)
Unaffiliated attendees should pay the $100 registration fee. (See General Registration Option)