Southeast American Indian Studies

Connecting Culture & Curriculum

UNC Pembroke's Southeast American Indian Studies (SAIS) program connects students, researchers and tribal communities through a dedicated space for American Indian studies programs and Indigenous research. SAIS programs at UNCP honor and affirm the cultural, political and social contributions of Indigenous communities across the Southeast.

Preserving Culture, Promoting Scholarship

SAIS at UNCP connects Indigenous heritage to academic and community support, offering one-of-a-kind American Indian studies programs and outreach opportunities. Our programs foster collaborations across the Southeast, advancing cultural preservation and Indigenous research at UNCP.
An open book displaying vintage Lumbee photos

SAIS Initiatives

Expanding Indigenous Research and Learning

SAIS leads vital research initiatives rooted in Indigenous knowledge, including traditional health practices, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. These efforts not only strengthen SAIS academic programs, but also empower tribal communities by supporting self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and holistic well-being.
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Community Outreach

Engaging Tribal Communities and Beyond

The Southeast American Indian Studies Program at UNC Pembroke builds strong partnerships between the university and tribal communities. Through educational programs, public lectures and cultural events, SAIS celebrates and shares the rich heritage of Southeast American Indian peoples — fostering collaboration, understanding and pride.
Native American student reads a book

SAIS Resources

Tools and Support for Tribal Communities

Access to specialized research collections and support networks helps students, faculty and tribal members engage more deeply with American Indian studies. At UNCP, these resources are central to advancing scholarship and honoring cultural traditions.

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Carrying Tradition Forward

SAIS at UNCP provide Indigenous students and scholars with unique opportunities to connect with their heritage, support cultural preservation and pursue impactful research. Our programs reflect UNCP’s commitment to supporting tribal communities.

American Indian Studies

UNCP offers a unique American Indian Studies degree focusing on indigenous communities’ history and culture. Gain insights into tribal governance, Native literature and archaeology and benefit from experiences like community service with local tribes.
American Indian Studies Program
UNCP gave me access to professors who cared about my success. I was given every opportunity to make the most of my time as a student and learning American Indian Studies has catapulted me into a future career in law to be a bridge between Indigenous communities and the legal system.
Male UNCP student in cap and gown outside of the Old Main building
Zachary Young

American Indian Heritage Center

The American Indian Heritage Center serves as a central hub for all students interested in Native American culture and history. From 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.
Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center
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.
UNCP students are sitting in a room in the AIHC
Kaloni Walton

Museum of the Southeast American Indian

A destination for history, education and community engagement, the Museum of the Southeast American Indian preserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts and traditions of Southeast American Indians. The museum provides a tangible connection to Indigenous heritage through exhibits and programming that educate on Southeast American Indian culture and history.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian
UNCP is a place where culture and history thrive. It was founded by Native people for Native people and that history was important to me. It was one of the major reasons why I chose UNCP.
UNCP student Benjamin Clark inside the Museum of the Southeast American Indian
Benjamin Clark

American Indian Studies

UNCP offers a unique American Indian Studies degree focusing on indigenous communities’ history and culture. Gain insights into tribal governance, Native literature and archaeology and benefit from experiences like community service with local tribes.
American Indian Studies Program
UNCP gave me access to professors who cared about my success. I was given every opportunity to make the most of my time as a student and learning American Indian Studies has catapulted me into a future career in law to be a bridge between Indigenous communities and the legal system.
Male UNCP student in cap and gown outside of the Old Main building
Zachary Young

American Indian Heritage Center

The American Indian Heritage Center serves as a central hub for all students interested in Native American culture and history. From 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.
Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center
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.
UNCP students are sitting in a room in the AIHC
Kaloni Walton

Museum of the Southeast American Indian

A destination for history, education and community engagement, the Museum of the Southeast American Indian preserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts and traditions of Southeast American Indians. The museum provides a tangible connection to Indigenous heritage through exhibits and programming that educate on Southeast American Indian culture and history.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian
UNCP is a place where culture and history thrive. It was founded by Native people for Native people and that history was important to me. It was one of the major reasons why I chose UNCP.
UNCP student Benjamin Clark inside the Museum of the Southeast American Indian
Benjamin Clark

Meet our Leadership

Lawrence Locklear, headshot

Lawrence Locklear

Director of Southeast American Indian Studies


910.522.5790

In the News

Production of Strike at the Wind!
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.

Lumbee Homecoming
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.

English and Art students who participated in an Intergenerational Portrait Memoir Project
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.

Join Us for an Event

August
06

Walk in Wednesday

1:00pm - 4:00pm
James B. Chavis University Center
August
08

Summer II ends, Final Exams

All Day
August
11

Final Grades Due

All Day