Department of American Indian Studies

UNC Pembroke American Indian Studies (AIS) offers an immersive interdisciplinary program examining the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary issues — especially those of Lumbee and southeastern tribes. Students can major, minor or concentrate in AIS, gaining expertise in areas such as sovereignty, environmental justice, literature, health and archaeology. With hands‑on service‑learning courses, a vibrant Museum of the Southeast American Indian, international study-abroad opportunities and community events (like the Southeast Native Studies Conference and Native Speakers Series), AIS fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness and community engagement.

A 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.

female on the runway at a Ribbon skirt fashion show

Program Information

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.

young UNCP student at a picnic table on campus

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.

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

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.

Quannah Chasinghorse

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.

Southeast Native Studies Conference

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

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.

Past Authors

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

Honoring Native Foodways

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.

Ahelayous Oxouzidis

Native American Speakers Series

Despite everything that Native communities have endured and lost, we are still here, and we are proud of who we are.

Quannah Chasinghorse

International Model and Indigenous Activist

Southeast Native Studies Conference

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.

John Lowery

Lumbee Tribal Chairman

International Indigenous Exchange Consortium

Lumbee Book Talk

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.

Past Authors

Southeast American Indian Studies

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

Lydia Locklear and Hannah Goins UNC Pembroke

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.

Mary Jacobs

Chair and Professor of American Indian Studies

mary.jacobs@uncp.edu
910.775.4262

Our Faculty & Staff

Back of a woman's American Indian regalia at BraveNation Powwow and Gathering at UNC Pembroke

Connect With Us

Old Main, Suite 204
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone: 910.521.6266
Fax: 910.522.5795
ais@uncp.edu

Miss Lumbee Taylor Davis stands in front of the UNCP letters while holding the head of the mascot, Brave Hawk

Nov 25 Chad Locklear

From BraveHawk to Miss Lumbee: Taylor Davis Finds Strength in Heritage and Hope

From BraveHawk mascot to Miss Lumbee 2025, Taylor Davis has never stopped finding strength in her voice—and her culture. A cancer survivor and proud UNC Pembroke alumna, she shares how heritage, healing and a little sparkle helped her rise.

Members of Alpha Pi Omega perform a traditional swan dance during an Indigenous Peoples

Oct 14 Mark Locklear

UNCP Honors Its Roots, Celebrates Resilience During Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, the only four-year university founded by American Indians for American Indians, celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday with a day filled with music, art and cultural traditions honoring Native heritage and resilience.

Oct 9 Chad Locklear

UNCP Curator Honored with National Award for Advancing American Art

UNC Pembroke’s Museum of the Southeast American Indian director and curator Nancy Strickland Chavis has been awarded the 2025 William Collins Smith Auburn Award for Advancing American Art by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University.

Information For