American Indian Heritage Month is just one of the many occasions when the UNC American Indian Center seeks to honor and bring awareness to the success of American Indian students at Carolina. There are two student groups that are focused on addressing the needs and concerns of American Indian Peoples: The Carolina Indian Circle (undergraduate students) and the First Nations Graduate Circle (graduate students).
The Carolina Indian Circle’s work is supported by a strong mission statement:
“To assist Native American Indian students academically and socially by providing a positive atmosphere and a sense of community. To educate the university community and the general public by ensuring that Native American cultural heritage is recognized and respected at UNC Chapel Hill through appropriate curriculum, research, administrative support, cultural events and increased American Indian representation on the faculty and staff. To aid the university in culturally relevant activities in the recruitment, retention and support of American Indian students. To fulfill our responsibility to our Native American communities by providing, performing and supporting public and community service.”
This year’s CIC executive team (highlighted below) has planned and implemented a number of outstanding events in partnership with the group’s general body members and support from various departments across campus, including the UNC American Indian Center. CIC hosted their annual “My Culture is Not a Costume” event and recently curated an art gallery that is displayed in the Carolina Student Union Art Gallery, highlighting the rich history that American Indian students have had on campus over the years. Additionally, the group will soon be hosting their annual Culture Show on Thursday, November 21st at 6:00pm in the Great Hall of the Carolina Student Union. All are welcome to attend, as that event will be free and open to the public.
Executive Team:
- Jamison Lowery (Lumbee): President
- Majoring in American Indian and Indigenous Studies with a minor in Education
- Skylar Chavis (Lumbee): Vice President
- Majoring in Communications with a focus on Interpersonal and Organizational communications
- Blake Hite (Lumbee/Cherokee Nation): Secretary
- Majoring in Anthropology and American Indian and Indigenous Studies
- Jake Oxendine (Lumbee): Treasurer
- Majoring in Quantitative Biology
- Cole Lewis (Lumbee): Treasurer-Elect
- Majoring in Political Science and Peace War and Defense
- Lauren Rhoades (Lumbee): Banquet Co-Chair
- Majoring in Political Science and Psychology
- Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee): Culture Co-Chair
- Majoring in Media and Journalism and English
- Elizabeth Silver (Haliwa-Saponi): Culture Co-Chair
- Majoring in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and Women and Gender Studies with a minor in African American, and Diaspora Studies
- Taner Jacobs (Lumbee): Retention and Recruitment Chair
- Majoring in Advertising and Public Relations
- Jasmin Lazore (Mohawk): Political Action Chair
- Majoring in Political Science and Peace, War and Defense
- Makayla Richardson Haliwa-Saponi): Powwow Co-Chair
- Majoring in Management and Society and American Indian and Indigenous Studies.
- Ryan Dial-Stanley (Lumbee): Powwow Co-Chair
- Majoring in Clinical Lab Sciences.
These young Native leaders are phenomenal examples of what servant leadership looks like in action. They are leaving large heel prints for future students to follow. We are proud to have them as a part of our campus community!
***NOTE: If you are an undergraduate student at UNC and are interested in learning more please contact one of the leaders above or follow them on CIC’s social media accounts.
Email: unccic1974@gmail.com
Instagram: @cic_unc
Facebook: Carolina Indian Circle
