The American Indian Center, housed in Abernethy Hall, is committed to enriching the learning environment of Carolina through the inclusion of Native culture, histories, and knowledge into the campus dialogue. It is also where quality research and scholarship related to American Indians is strengthened and knowledge is disseminated in an appropriate manner, making the Center a leader in scholarship.
The AIC serves as a safe space for Native and non-Native students on campus. It offers a supportive environment for students socially, emotionally, academically, and professionally. The Student Resource Room offers a space for fellowship between classes or during free time, a place to do schoolwork, or hold meetings and events, and much more. The Center also offers ambassadorships and internships to help students grow both academically and professionally.
The AIC also serves Native communities outside of the UNC campus – this includes the 8 state recognized tribes of North Carolina. As you can see from the map, the tribes are the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan.
First, you can hear from Priscilla Jacobs Maynor, Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Education and AIC External Advisory Board member. Priscilla’s narrative demonstrates the impact that the AIC can have on the community outside of campus, particularly in education.
Next, listen to Mr. Greg Jacobs, Tribal Administrator of the Coharie Tribe. He will discuss the role that the AIC has played in his life and the wellbeing of the Coharie Tribe and tribes as a whole.