A People | A Purpose | A Plan
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There is no existing facility such as the proposed Southeast Indian Culture Center, even though from Maryland to East Texas approximately 100 tribes exist today.
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Most of these tribes still have a vital language and culture, with many being state recognized. Yet, from the Chickahominy in Virginia to the Chitamacha in Louisiana, they suffer the same maladies as their Federally recognized brothers and sisters, but receive no Federal intervention to assist them in their plight. Such a Center will "lift up the heads" of these neglected tribes under clear Christian influence and restore the value God has placed on these now hidden cultures.
The Center will exhibit historic artifacts, etc., as well as living history and employ guest artists and lecturers in residence that would enlighten visitors. There will also be a Southeast Native Crafts Co-op that will sell arts and crafts. Model villages from these various tribes will be represented at the center.
The Southeast Indian Culture Center will also educate tour groups in Cherokee history by hosting excursions to ancient Cherokee villages and sacred sites, as well as visiting the more popular tourist sites. Purchase and restoration of ancient abandoned Southeastern tribal sites will be a major goal of the Center.
An artist rendition of the (excavated) Cherokee village of *Toqua as it may have looked before the adaptation of log homes. The Southeast Native American Ministry, Conference & Culture Center will be primarily log buildings. The old style waddle & daub buildings will be interspersed so the village appears as it would have looked in the transitional period of the late 18th - early 19th century. [Note Council House on mound in upper right]. Other southeastern tribes will have mock villages surrounding the Southeast Indian Culture Center representing their own unique cultures.
A council house similar to the model above was located on an earthen mound near the center of every Cherokee village. At the proposed Southeast Native American Center the council house will be set aside as a place for quiet meditation.
There are still dozens of ancient mounds like these marking millennia old Cherokee villages in unsuspecting farmer's fields and on other private lands. Unfortunately, many of these mounds have been stripped and razed - destroying an important aspect of America's heritage and leaving no trace of ancient civilizations whose descendents remain loyal citizens of this land. It is the purpose of the Southeast Indian Culture Center to purchase and preserve such sites of the Cherokee and other southeastern tribes.
Imagine...
a place where the many southeastern Indian tribes from Maryland to Louisiana can exhibit and demonstrate their ancient and living cultures.
Imagine...
a school where Native Americans can learn culturally appropriate ways to make a positive impact in their tribe's spiritual and social development.
Imagine...
an invitation to be a part of such a place - almost like taking your family back in time to the slower, more spiritual rhythms of a nearly forgotten part of America's history.
         
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