The Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center

The American Indian Heritage Center

The Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center (AIHC) at UNC Pembroke is a vibrant hub where culture, community and success come together. The AIHC empowers students with dedicated cultural, social and academic programs and  fosters campus-wide cultural understanding through educational initiatives. At the AIHC, heritage is honored, futures are shaped and leadership begins.

Supporting Our Students

The AIHC is here to strengthen your academic experience with scholarships, career resources and community connections. From funding opportunities to career mentorship, the AIHC offers a range of programs.
AIHC lobby with students
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Scholarships

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Career Connections

Discover American Indian ScholarshipsJoin Our Career Network

Embracing Tradition and Education

Explore AIHC’s 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.

Southeast Native Studies Conference

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.
group of American Indian men and women at a table during a conference at UNCP
John Lowery
Lumbee Tribal Chairman

BraveNation Powwow & Gathering

Celebrate with us at the BraveNation Powwow & Gathering! Experience the rich traditions of music, dance and ceremony as we honor Native American heritage. Open to students, families and community members, this event offers an incredible look into the spirit and vibrancy of American Indian culture.

Contact Francine Cummings for more information.
The BraveNation Powow is a moment where tradition comes alive through vibrant regalia, the rhythm of the drum, and the strength of our shared heritage. This gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for honoring the past, embracing the present, and inspiring future generations."
women in traditional American Indian dress at a PowWow
Asa Locklear

Native Speakers Series

Hear from respected Native speakers and leaders as they share their stories, insights and cultural wisdom. The Native 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.
Quannah Chasinghorse visits UNC Pembroke
Quannah Chasinghorse
International Model and Indigenous Activist

Honoring Native Foodways

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.
male student with plate of food being served by American Indian woman
Ahelayous Oxouzidis

Indigenous Power Hour

The Indigenous Power Hour workshops are one-hour sessions that provide a space for students to discuss a variety of topics related to college life, culture, health and more.
Contact Francine Cummings for more information

Southeast Native Studies Conference

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.
group of American Indian men and women at a table during a conference at UNCP
John Lowery
Lumbee Tribal Chairman

BraveNation Powwow & Gathering

Celebrate with us at the BraveNation Powwow & Gathering! Experience the rich traditions of music, dance and ceremony as we honor Native American heritage. Open to students, families and community members, this event offers an incredible look into the spirit and vibrancy of American Indian culture.

Contact Francine Cummings for more information.
The BraveNation Powow is a moment where tradition comes alive through vibrant regalia, the rhythm of the drum, and the strength of our shared heritage. This gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for honoring the past, embracing the present, and inspiring future generations."
women in traditional American Indian dress at a PowWow
Asa Locklear

Native Speakers Series

Hear from respected Native speakers and leaders as they share their stories, insights and cultural wisdom. The Native 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.
Quannah Chasinghorse visits UNC Pembroke
Quannah Chasinghorse
International Model and Indigenous Activist

Honoring Native Foodways

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.
male student with plate of food being served by American Indian woman
Ahelayous Oxouzidis

Indigenous Power Hour

The Indigenous Power Hour workshops are one-hour sessions that provide a space for students to discuss a variety of topics related to college life, culture, health and more.
Contact Francine Cummings for more information
The AIHC provided me with so many opportunities to connect with classmates, meet new people and participate in activities that connected me to the campus and my culture.
Kaloni Walton

Resources

People on a tour of the museum at UNCP

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.
AIS Sorority

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)
group on the steps of Old Main celebrating Founders Day at UNCP

Southeast American Indian Studies

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.

Planning for college?

The Native Pathways Guidebook from the American Indian College Fund is a free, must-read resource for high school students exploring their path to higher education. 

Be sure to watch the video below and hear from students for even more tools, tips and opportunities designed to support your success.

AI student on campus female

Visit Us

The newly renovated American Indian Heritage Center offers a welcoming space for students to gather, learn and find support. We have quiet study spaces, meeting rooms and a kitchenette for all of your needs. From resources to social events, the AIHC is here for you.

Location:
201 Old Main
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Extended Hours: Tuesday's and Thursday's, 5-8 p.m.

 

The entrance of Old Main

Faculty & Staff

Lawrence Locklear, headshot

Lawrence Locklear

Director of Southeast American Indian Studies


910.522.5790
Francine Cummings, headshot

Francine Cummings

Program Coordinator (AIHC)


910.775.4663
All Faculty & Staff

Campus News

Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz
Sep 17 Office of University Communications & Marketing

UNCP to Host Author Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz for Book Talk on The Indian Card

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will welcome author and policy scholar Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz to campus to discuss her debut nonfiction book, The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America

Commander John B. Herrington
Sep 15 Mark Locklear

Native American Astronaut John Herrington to Speak at UNC Pembroke

The Museum of the Southeast American Indian at UNC Pembroke will host Commander John B. Herrington, a trailblazing astronaut and member of the Chickasaw Nation, for a special public presentation.

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Aug 20

Museum of the Southeast American Indian to host annual 9/9 Native South Art Show

The Museum of the Southeast American Indian invites the public to immerse themselves in the vibrant creativity of American Indian artists at the 4th annual 9|9 Native South Art Show, on display from September 9, 2025, through February 27, 2026.

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