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Our Initiatives

Our mission is bridging the richness of American Indian cultures with the strengths of Carolina’s research, education, and service. As an Academic and Community Engagement unit within the Office of the Provost, the American Indian Center accomplishes this mission through four areas of engagement:

Native Community Engagement. Serving as a resource to Native communities and citizens by:

  • Providing opportunities to develop skills in tribal leadership and advocacy;
  • Offering technical assistance for self-determined projects; and
  • Supporting advancement in areas such as community health, tribal governance and administration, and social and economic development.

Student Engagement. Contributing to student personal and professional development by:

  • Hosting internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities to equip students with skills in project design and management, tribal outreach, and collaborative research;
  • Organizing workshops for students to learn about and prepare for careers in service to tribal communities; and
  • Connecting current and prospective students to people, resources, and opportunities to help them succeed in higher education and beyond.

Campus Community Engagement. Creating a hub for the Carolina campus community by:

  • Gathering and sharing news and updates from the Native UNC network (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners);
  • Coordinating opportunities such as campus lectures and public presentations to learn about Native North Carolina and beyond; and
  • Distributing resources and information about best practices in research, education, and service in tribal communities.

Scholarly Engagement. Supporting Native scholars and scholarship by:

  • Advancing technical, financial, and administrative support for community-driven research projects undertaken at UNC-Chapel Hill;
  • Partnering with American Indian and Indigenous Studies and other campus departments on course offerings, content, and curricula; and
  • Facilitating community-building and development opportunities for faculty and students.