"Our Cherokee National Treasures are those Cherokees who have been distinguished by the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee National Historical Society as Master Artisans and Craftspeople ... Since 1988, [these 94 Treasures] have been honored for preserving the traditional art forms of bow making, gig making, pottery, blowgun and darts, basketry, carving, loom weaving, clothing, bow and arrow, flint-knapping, turtle shell shakers, traditional foods, doll making, marble making, stick ball sticks, quilting, mask making, Cherokee language, painting, sculpture, storytelling, and metalsmithing ... [This book] is a compilation of personal narratives as told by each living Cherokee National Treasure, as well as by friends and family of those who have passed on ... The book is organized with the recognition of each category in the order that it was added, while the artists are presented by birthdate to honor the Elders first. Though the artist may not appear in the category for which he or she was recognized, the book follows a logical chronology and evenly distributes the stories"--Introduction.