PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation

About PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation

Rooted in centuries of history, the PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation represents a living connection to the Piedmont region's indigenous heritage, with tribal grounds located in Gray Court, SC. As a South Carolina state-recognized tribe since 2015, the organization traces its ancestry to the Lower Towns of the Cherokee Nation, whose people inhabited this region from the Seneca River in South Carolina through Tennessee and Georgia. The Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation maintains deep ties to the land where their ancestors established major settlements, including the historic town of Nayuhi near Brasstown Creek and the Tugaloo River. Today, the tribal community gathers at their Gray Court location to strengthen bonds, celebrate shared identity, and welcome visitors interested in learning about authentic Cherokee culture and history. Beyond their museum and longhouse, the PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation nurtures relationships within the Gray Court community through youth programs, language classes, and women-centered cultural initiatives that empower tribal members of all ages. The organization's commitment to heritage preservation extends to their craft store, where tribal citizens create and sell handcrafted goods that reflect generations of artistic tradition. By hosting public powwows and community events, the PAIA Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation creates inclusive spaces where people throughout the region can connect with Cherokee culture, history, and values. This state-recognized nation embodies a commitment to honoring ancestral legacy while building a vibrant, engaged community in Gray Court, SC.

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