CHEROKEE, N.C. — In the mountains of western North Carolina is a Native American tribe that dates back thousands of years. It's known as the Cherokee.

Each summer the Cherokee Historical Association puts on a play called “Unto These Hills,” which highlights the history of their tribe, particularly those in North Carolina

The show is performed every night except Sunday until August 20 at Mountainside Theater in Cherokee

It started back in 1950 and brings in about 30,000 visitors throughout the summer season

Performers say the play is a unique and powerful way to learn about the people and the land in Cherokee

String by string Rachel Blythe is weaving together a belt. Blythe is a Cherokee and learned the craft seven years ago.

“Weaving is actually one of the oldest known crafts that we have in our culture,” Blythe said.

She often does this craft at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, where education classes are held for the public. She says weaving dates back thousands of years in her culture and was used for trading.

“I fell in love with getting to know my own history and getting to learn my craft,” Blythe said.“I fell in love with getting to know my own history and getting to learn my craft,” Blythe said.

Last year she decided to educate the public on a bigger stage. She joined the cast of “Unto These Hills,” which tells the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee.

“I myself am the eighth great-granddaughter of Yonaguska and the seventh great-grandaughter of Tsali,” Blythe said.

Her ancestors Yonaguska and Tsali play pivotal roles in this dramatic story of Cherokee history. Yonaguska helps the tribe join forces with the U.S. government during the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in the 1800s.

Tsali’s story is more about tragedy, hardship and mistrust of the U.S. government. The play also talks about the Trail of Tears, which forced around 60,000 Native Americans from five tribes out of their homes. They were moved to designated territories west of the Mississippi River. Thousands died during the relocation. 

“Especially with us locals, it is a really big deal, because a lot of us have those direct blood lines,” Blythe said.

In the drama Blythe plays one of Tsali’s daughters. Matthew Climbingbear is a Cherokee who plays Junaluska. His character saves Gen. Andrew Jackson during the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

“It gives us a chance to really inform and educate and give people a perspective of history that might not be taught in regular education,” Climbingbear said.

Blythe says the production is powerful and meant to leave viewers with something they won’t forget.

“Not just Cherokee, but Native people across the U.S. are still very prevalent,” Blythe said. “Our history is just as valid and important as anyone else’s throughout the region.”

The play is designed for all ages, except young babies due to loud noises. Shows begin daily at 8 p.m. except Sunday until August 20. Adult tickets are $35 and children 6-11 are $25. Children 5 and under are free. More information is available online.