North American Indian Center of Boston
About North American Indian Center of Boston
Since its founding in 1969 as the Boston Indian Council, the North American Indian Center of Boston has stood as a vital anchor for the Native American community in Jamaica Plain and throughout Massachusetts. Originally headquartered in Dorchester before relocating to Jamaica Plain in 1974, the organization was formally reorganized as NAICOB in 1991 and has grown into the oldest and only urban Indian center in the state. The center's 50-year legacy reflects a deep commitment to serving not just American Indians, but also Alaska Natives and First Nations peoples, honoring the diverse terminology and identities within the Indigenous community. NAICOB's mission centers on empowering Native Americans to improve their quality of life through culturally responsive programs and services. The organization serves as a gathering place where community members access wellness groups, health services, job training, and programming specifically designed for children and elders. What distinguishes NAICOB is its recognition that Indigenous peoples deserve spaces that honor their identity while providing practical support for economic stability, health, and education. Operating from Jamaica Plain, the center welcomes all Indigenous people, regardless of federal or state tribal recognition status, embodying an inclusive philosophy rooted in over five decades of grassroots advocacy and community-centered care.