information:classification, structural:scholar_edition
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, led by Chief Richard Sneed,hosts over a million visitors a year to cultural attractions of the 100-square-mile (260 km) sovereign nation. The reservation, the " Qualla Boundary ", has a population of over 8,000 Cherokee, primarily direct descendants of Indians who managed to avoid " The Trail of Tears ".

Attractions include the Oconaluftee Indian Village, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Founded in 1946, the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual is the country's oldest and foremost Native American crafts cooperative. The outdoor drama Unto These Hills, which debuted in 1950, recently broke record attendance sales. Together with Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel, Cherokee Indian Hospital and Cherokee Boys Club, the tribe generated $78 million in the local economy in 2005.