Native American Community Events in North Carolina

For nearly 40 years, Triangle Native American Society has been the heart of Native American community life in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area. Founded in 1984 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985, TNAS emerged from a commitment to protect and celebrate the identity of Native Americans across Wake, Johnston, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. The organization was born from the vision of community members, including founding members like Wanda Burns-Ramsey, who understood that urban Native Americans needed a dedicated space to preserve their heritage, strengthen cultural connections, and advocate for their community's needs. Today, TNAS serves as more than just an organization—it's a gathering place where Native families and individuals unite to celebrate their shared traditions and support one another. The team at TNAS, led by Executive Director Jesalyn Keziah and supported by dedicated staff and board members, brings personal passion and deep cultural roots to their work every day. Many staff members are themselves enrolled tribal citizens with lifelong ties to North Carolina's Native communities, bringing authentic voices and lived experience to their service. TNAS recognizes that North Carolina is home to over 130,000 Native Americans and eight state-recognized tribes, yet many urban Native people often feel disconnected from their heritage. Through cultural events, educational programs, and community gatherings in Raleigh, TNAS works to honor ancestral traditions while building pathways for future generations. The organization's commitment extends beyond programming—it's about creating a vibrant, inclusive community where Native voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered.

For nearly five decades, the Metrolina Native American Association has been the cornerstone of Native American community life in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding Metrolina region. Founded in 1976 by dedicated local Native Americans, MNAA operates as a non-profit education advocacy organization committed to promoting cultural awareness, economic development, and the overall wellbeing of Native people. The organization's deep roots in the Charlotte community reflect its mission to build meaningful relationships with American Indian populations while honoring and incorporating the cultural and traditional practices of tribal communities. What sets MNAA apart is its comprehensive approach to empowerment and advocacy. The organization recognizes that supporting Native Americans requires attention to education, health, economic opportunity, and cultural preservation simultaneously. By providing information and referral services, administering funds for community needs, and creating platforms for celebration and connection, MNAA addresses the multifaceted challenges facing American Indian residents of the Metrolina area. The annual Pow Wow and Golf Tournament have become beloved traditions that bring the community together each September, while year-round programming ensures consistent engagement and support. Serving over 10,000 Native Americans, MNAA stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the American Indian community in Charlotte and demonstrates the power of grassroots organizations in preserving heritage while building a stronger future.

Coastal Carolina Indian Center, located in Emerald Isle, NC, honors the legacy of the First People of Coastal North Carolina through a three-part mission centered on research and preservation, education, and celebration. The organization recognizes that the indigenous history of the region deserves recognition and remembrance, working to ensure that the voices and stories of historic coastal tribes are preserved for generations to come. By documenting and making knowledge widely available, CCIC serves as a guardian of cultural memory for North Carolina's coastal communities. The center is committed to being the most comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to understand and connect with the history of Coastal Carolina Indians. Whether serving educators developing curriculum, parents exploring their children's heritage, or individuals discovering their own ancestral connections, CCIC provides accessible pathways to learning about pre-colonial life and the evolution of these communities through time. The organization understands the deep human need for connection to one's roots and creates spaces where descendants of historic tribal groups can gather, learn, and celebrate together. Founded on the principle that historical knowledge should be preserved and shared, Coastal Carolina Indian Center welcomes those whose heritage is rooted in the beginnings of North Carolina to explore their ancestral past. The organization supports personal genealogical research and encourages descendants to deepen their understanding of the ancestors who came before them. Through its work in Emerald Isle, NC, CCIC builds bridges between past and present, fostering pride in cultural heritage and community among those connected to Coastal Carolina's indigenous peoples.