Department of American Indian Studies
Play VideoA Proud History
UNC Pembroke was established in 1887 as an institution for Native Americans. Since 1953, it has had a multi-racial student body. Because of its heritage, the university, through AIS, offers a program to educate students about the rich diversity of American Indian histories and cultures, to promote research and scholarship concerning American Indian issues, and to prepare students for professional or scholarly careers.
AIS offers a Bachelor of Arts, a minor and an academic concentration in American Indian
Studies. Students are encouraged to select courses that touch on as many different
aspects of American Indian histories and cultures as possible.
Opportunities
Service-Learning
Students become active participants in the daily lives of the Indian people within
whose community our university exists, and community members gain additional insight
into the interests and activities of AIS students at UNCP. AIS service-learning courses
strive to mutually benefit UNCP students and Southeast American Indian community members.
Study Abroad
International Indigenous Exchange Consortium (IIEC) offers experiential opportunities
for study abroad to learn about the histories and cultures of Indigenous global peoples.
The program is open to any UNCP student, with current study abroad travel to Canada,
Australia and Hawaii.
Scholarships
UNC Pembroke's AIS offers a range of scholarships designed to support students who
are majoring or minoring in AIS. These scholarships honor influential Indigenous leaders
and advocates, and they reflect UNCP’s commitment to academic achievement, cultural
engagement and community service. From need-based awards to merit scholarships, AIS
students have access to meaningful financial support that helps them succeed both
in and out of the classroom.
Embracing Tradition
Explore signature programs that connect you with Indigenous heritage and career-building
opportunities. Join us for cultural events, conferences and networking designed to
enrich your academic experience and honor Native traditions.
This special gathering brings together dedicated elders and volunteers to prepare
and share traditional dishes, showcasing Indigenous ingredients and cooking methods
inspired by Native cultures. It’s a powerful celebration of heritage, community and
the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Getting to experience traditional Indigenous foods isn’t just about tasting something new, but really understanding the deep cultural roots and health benefits of these ingredients. Food can connect us to history, community and even wellness.
Hear from respected Native speakers and leaders as they share their stories, insights
and cultural wisdom. The Native American Speakers Series offers a unique opportunity
to engage directly with voices from the indigenous community.
Despite everything that Native communities have endured and lost, we are still here, and we are proud of who we are.
International Model and Indigenous Activist
Join the Southeast Native Studies Conference to engage with scholars, students and
community members to discuss the cultures, histories and contemporary experiences
of Native Americans in the Southeast United States. This annual event fosters dialogue
and learning that honors Southeast American Indian cultures and histories.
The Southeast Native Studies Conference is more than just a scholarly gathering — it’s a celebration of our resilience, our voices and our shared story as Native peoples of the Southeast. It creates space for meaningful dialogue between tribal communities, students and researchers and helps ensure that our histories and cultures are studied with the respect and depth they deserve.
Lumbee Tribal Chairman
The International Indigenous Exchange Consortium (IIEC) offers experiential opportunities
for study abroad to learn about the histories and cultures of Indigenous global peoples.
The program is open to any UNCP student, with current study abroad travel to Canada
and Australia.
The event features Lumbee authors and authors who write about the Lumbee Indians. For more information, contact Dr. Mary Ann Jacobs, chair of AIS, at 910.775.4262 or email mary.jacobs@uncp.edu.
As a center for research, tribal engagement and student support, SAIS offers unique
opportunities for you to explore topics relevant to Southeast American Indian communities
— from environmental issues to health challenges. Find opportunities for academic
and community-focused initiatives, including collaborative research and service-learning
projects with local tribes.
Learn More
This special gathering brings together dedicated elders and volunteers to prepare
and share traditional dishes, showcasing Indigenous ingredients and cooking methods
inspired by Native cultures. It’s a powerful celebration of heritage, community and
the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Getting to experience traditional Indigenous foods isn’t just about tasting something new, but really understanding the deep cultural roots and health benefits of these ingredients. Food can connect us to history, community and even wellness.
Hear from respected Native speakers and leaders as they share their stories, insights
and cultural wisdom. The Native American Speakers Series offers a unique opportunity
to engage directly with voices from the indigenous community.
Despite everything that Native communities have endured and lost, we are still here, and we are proud of who we are.
International Model and Indigenous Activist
Join the Southeast Native Studies Conference to engage with scholars, students and
community members to discuss the cultures, histories and contemporary experiences
of Native Americans in the Southeast United States. This annual event fosters dialogue
and learning that honors Southeast American Indian cultures and histories.
The Southeast Native Studies Conference is more than just a scholarly gathering — it’s a celebration of our resilience, our voices and our shared story as Native peoples of the Southeast. It creates space for meaningful dialogue between tribal communities, students and researchers and helps ensure that our histories and cultures are studied with the respect and depth they deserve.
Lumbee Tribal Chairman
The International Indigenous Exchange Consortium (IIEC) offers experiential opportunities
for study abroad to learn about the histories and cultures of Indigenous global peoples.
The program is open to any UNCP student, with current study abroad travel to Canada
and Australia.
The event features Lumbee authors and authors who write about the Lumbee Indians. For more information, contact Dr. Mary Ann Jacobs, chair of AIS, at 910.775.4262 or email mary.jacobs@uncp.edu.
As a center for research, tribal engagement and student support, SAIS offers unique
opportunities for you to explore topics relevant to Southeast American Indian communities
— from environmental issues to health challenges. Find opportunities for academic
and community-focused initiatives, including collaborative research and service-learning
projects with local tribes.
Learn More
Alumni
Discover the diverse accomplishments of former AIS students who have become leaders
in Indigenous advocacy, law, education, museum curation and social justice. Showcasing
notable alumni — such as Lydia Locklear, who is pursuing Native American law at Michigan
State University, and Taylor Strickland, advancing in diversity and inclusion through
graduate work at the University of New Mexico — view the real-world impact and ongoing
contributions of AIS graduates. These success stories underscore the strength of the AIS program and its commitment
to preparing students for meaningful roles within Indigenous communities and beyond.
See Our Alumni
Resources
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian
Located on the first floor of Old Main, the museum offers a rich collection of authentic
American Indian artifacts, handicrafts, art, books, cassettes, record albums and filmstrips
about Native Americans, with emphasis on the Lumbee Indians of Robeson County. An
exciting variety of exhibits is on display, including prehistoric tools and weapons,
19th century Lumbee household and farm equipment and contemporary Indian art.
Student Organizations
- Alpha Pi Omega (American Indian Sorority)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- Native American Student Organization (NASO)
- Phi Sigma Nu (American Indian Fraternity)
- Sigma Omicron Epsilon (American Indian Sorority)
The American Indian Heritage Center
The AIHC serves as a central hub, providing gathering spots to quiet study areas and cultural programs that celebrate the heritage of Southeast American Indian communities. you can use this space to find others with similar interests and build your tribal community on campus.
Department Chair
Connect With Us
Old Main, Suite 204
PO Box 1510
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6266
Fax: 910.522.5795
Latest News
Jun 27
Beloved Outdoor Drama Strike at the Wind! Ignites Spirit, Storytelling
The curtain is again rising on Strike at the Wind!, the iconic outdoor drama that tells the story of Lumbee hero Henry Berry Lowrie. As the summer season returns to the Lumbee Tribe's cultural center amphitheater, audiences can expect powerful storytelling, community collaboration and a few exciting changes — both on and off the stage.
Jun 12
UNCP to host several events to celebrate Lumbee Homecoming
UNC Pembroke invites the public to celebrate the 56th annual Lumbee Homecoming, June 24-July 6, in Pembroke, NC.
Mar 27
Portraits and Prose: UNCP Students Honor Lumbee Elders Through Art and Storytelling
Bridging generations through storytelling and art, a group of English and art students at UNC Pembroke joined forces to capture the lives of senior members of the Lumbee community in a unique intergenerational project.