CHEROKEE, NC: Museum of the Cherokee People announces the new exhibition ᏅᏬᏘ Nvwoti: Healing is Culture, on view now at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA). Presented in collaboration with CIHA and located at the entrance of the Analenisgi Recovery Center, Nvwoti showcases how, through centuries of systemic oppression and attempted eradication of Native cultural practices, Cherokee people have continuously found physical, mental, and emotional healing through ceremony.

“We are honored to host this exhibit outside of the Analenisgi Recovery Center,” said Cherokee Indian Hospital CEO Casey Cooper (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). This exhibit elevates traditional pathways to healing—pathways that remain vital to the health and well-being of the Cherokee people. By highlighting the success stories of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have embraced Cherokee medicine and ceremony to heal from mental health challenges and substance abuse, we endeavor to inspire others and reaffirm the power of cultural practices. This is more than an exhibit; it is a testament to our resilience, our heritage, and our commitment to fostering culturally rooted healing for the next seven generations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”

Alongside historic objects and photographs from the Museum’s collections, the exhibit uplifts living, first-person perspectives from Eastern Band citizens who have found healing in Cherokee culture and experienced the transformative impact of reconnection. Nvwoti is curated by Director of Education Dakota Brown (EBCI) and Director of Collections and Exhibitions Evan Mathis. The exhibition, on view through December 31, 2025, was designed by Tyra Maney (EBCI, Diné).

“One of CIHA’s Guiding Principles, ᏂᎯᏣᏤᎵ—‘It belongs to you’—is at the heart of the work we do and the care we provide and for me, this exhibit exemplifies the ownership we take in our own health,” said Zane Wachacha (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Museum of the Cherokee People board member and Performance Improvement Specialist at CIHA. “Healthcare for the Eastern Band was not a gift but a right purchased by our ancestors through treaties, paid for with unimaginable sacrifices. This exhibit serves as a powerful reminder that our healthcare system, much like our cultural practices, is a legacy entrusted to us. By sharing stories of healing through Cherokee medicine and ceremony, we honor the resilience of our people and ensure that this inheritance continues to empower future generations.”

As the tribal museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Museum is honored to offer resources for Cherokee people interested in deepening their connection to culture or learning more about their tribal and family history. To book a private appointment to view the Museum’s archival and object collections, conduct research, or to schedule a genealogy appointment, please contact [email protected].

About Museum of the Cherokee People

Since 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People has served its community and visitors as the tribal museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the EBCI and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees, the Museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs. Learn more at MotCP.org.

 About Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority

The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is a tribally-owned and operated healthcare system serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Located in Cherokee, North Carolina, CIHA is dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care that honors and integrates Cherokee culture and traditions.

Through its state-of-the-art facilities, including Cherokee Indian Hospital, Tsali Care Center, and multiple satellite clinics, CIHA delivers comprehensive medical, behavioral, and community health services tailored to meet the unique needs of the EBCI community.

With a mission to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare in a culturally sensitive environment, CIHA continues to uphold its vision of fostering a healthier, thriving Cherokee community.