With its main campus located on the site of an ancient Cherokee Indian village[44] and adjacent to the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina has a commitment to the rich traditions of both the Appalachian and Cherokee cultures. The university's Mountain Heritage Center;[45] Cherokee Center;[46] Craft Revival Project;[47] Cherokee Studies Program[48] and WCU's partnership to preserve the Cherokee language[49] all reflect that influence – and provide educational resources for the region.[50]