The Cherokee Preservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve our native culture, protect and enhance our natural environment, and create appropriate and diverse economic opportunities in order to improve the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and our neighbors in western North Carolina.

Examples of work where we are involved include Cherokee language revitalization, perpetuation of Cherokee artistic traditions, leadership development programs for EBCI tribal members, support of entrepreneurship to diversify the regional economy, connecting rural schools with broadband and helping teachers learn and embrace technology-based learning tools, and renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

The Foundation was established as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact between the EBCI and the State of North Carolina. We are an independent nonprofit foundation funded by gaming revenues generated by the Tribe. We are not associated with any for-profit gaming entity.