Cherokee Tribe Leads Efforts to Preserve Oconaluftee River and Outdoor Economy

As of October 3rd, 2025, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is spearheading efforts to preserve the Oconaluftee River, a vital resource that flows through their homeland in Cherokee, North Carolina. The river, known to the Cherokee as the "Long Person" or "yvwi ganvhida," is a living being with its head in the mountains and feet in the sea.

Last month, a youth-led group called the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA) Daughters organized a river cleanup in conjunction with the Outdoor Economy Conference. The group's 15-year-old chair, Jasmine Smith, emphasized that "water is life, and without it we're not going to be able to continue anything." The cleanup followed ancient Cherokee traditions of honoring the river, as described by EBCI member Juanita Wilson.

The Outdoor Economy Conference, which drew a record 700 attendees from 37 U.S. states, focused on "Investing in the Ecosystem" - a theme that encompassed more than just financial returns. Keynote speaker Lesford Duncan of the Outdoor Foundation drew parallels between ecology and economy, highlighting the importance of cooperation and balance in building resilient communities.

This renewed focus on the natural world comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the Southern Appalachian region in September 2024. The storm caused over $78 billion in damage and forced the closure of trails, roads, and facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the region continues to recover, the outdoor industry's role as an economic driver and source of healing has become even more crucial.