In August 2020, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke was awarded a $1.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution Program. The five-year grant was awarded to build upon the university's ability to serve low-income and American Indian students. The grant proposed the creation of an American Indian Heritage Center (AIHC) to centralize programming for American Indian students at UNCP. The AIHC will provide cultural, social and academic program for American Indian students as well as educational programming for non-Native faculty, staff, and students.
Spring 2023 American Indian Graduation Ceremony
American Indian students graduating this semester are invited to attend the American Indian Graduation Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The event will take place in GPAC from 6-8 pm. Students must register to participate and only graduates who participate in this ceremony will receive an American Indian Scholar stole. Eligible students received an invitation to participate in this event on March 1st. If you are graduating this spring and did not receive this email, please contact Dr. Ashley McMillan at ashley.mcmillan@uncp.edu.
March Events
Alternative Spring Break Program - Baltimore
March 4 - March 11, 2023
The AIHC will partner with Community & Civic Engagement and Student Inclusion & Diversity to lead students on an alternative spring break program to Baltimore, MD. During the program, students will explore the experiences of Indigenous communities through the lens of social and racial equity via service with local organizations, education, and reflective conversation.
American Indian Male Social
March 14, 2023
5-6 PM, AIHC (201 Old Main)
This will be a great opportunity for American Indian male students to network and engage with other American Indian Males on campus. These informal events will feature meaningful conversations, engaged activities, and free refreshments!
Sign up here.
BraveNation Powwow & Gathering
March 18, 2023
12-6 PM, Jones Center (Main Gym)
The 2023 BraveNation Powwow and Gathering (BNPG) will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023, in the Jones Athletic Center at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Grand entry is at noon: doors open to the public at 10 am. The 2022 BNPG was a huge success, with more than 2,000 attendees, 100 dancers, and 4 drum groups. This event is free for UNCP faculty, staff, and students. All are welcome! Visit uncp.edu/powwow to learn more.
Am I Native Enough?
March 21, 2023
12-1pm, virtual
Join us for a student-led discussion about the issues that American Indian students experience as they confront stereotypes about Indigenous people and handle the pressure of connecting to their culture throughout their postsecondary journey.
Sign up here.
Talking Circle
March 23, 2023
2-3 PM, AIHC (201 Old Main)
Join us for an nformal talking circle, where we will discuss the topics you feel are most important. Students are encouraged to discuss any topics that impact them personally or things that impact their communities.
Sign up here.