The North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission (AIHC) was created by the N.C. General Assembly in the 2021 State Budget Act under §G.S. 143B-135.5 to advise and assist the Secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) in the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of American Indian history, arts, custom, and culture.
Our mission is to promote a thorough understanding of American Indian history, arts, customs and culture in North Carolina.
Transform North Carolinians’ understanding of American Indian history, arts, culture and traditions
from the past to present.
- Truth & Accuracy
- Promoting and disseminating accurate and authentic information about American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture in North Carolina, ensuring that narratives and representations are based on factual and reliable sources.
- Education
- Providing educational opportunities and resources that increase understanding and knowledge of American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture among all North Carolinians, fostering awareness, appreciation, and respect.
- Sovereignty
- Acknowledging and respecting North Carolina tribes and working collaboratively with tribal communities to support their cultural efforts.
- Unity & Inclusiveness
- Creating a sense of unity and inclusiveness among North Carolina tribes, encouraging collaboration, dialogue, and mutual support to address shared challenges, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the collective voice of Native peoples.
- Visibility
- Striving to enhance the visibility and representation of American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture across North Carolina, ensuring that Native peoples are recognized, celebrated, and given platforms to share their stories, perspectives, and contributions.
Strategic Goals
- Promote North Carolina history through American Indian lens
- Increase cultural awareness & visibility
- Enhance cultural preservation and revitalization
- Foster a forward-focused narrative of American Indians