Our Past Informs our Future
Since its inception, the Triangle Native American Society (TNAS) has worked to promote and protect Native American identity in the Triangle area by increasing public awareness of the cultural and economic contributions of Native peoples, as well as advocating for greater recognition of their needs.
TNAS serves as the official urban Indian organization for the Triangle community. The organization is dedicated to uniting Native American individuals and families across diverse cultures and traditions, while holistically addressing the needs of the Native population living in the region.
Our History
Triangle Native American Society (TNAS) was founded in 1984 to promote and protect the identity of Native Americans living in Wake, Johnston, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties by providing educational, social, and cultural programs. TNAS was incorporated as a non-profit tax-exempt organization in 1985, and was granted official state recognition in 2000 to serve as the official governing body for the Native American population in the Triangle area.
Mission
Triangle Native American Society empowers American Indians in Wake, Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Chatham Counties with programs and services that strengthen our community.
TNAS is a visionary entity empowering American Indian people residing in the Triangle Community to become resilient leaders advocating for educational advancement, economic sufficiency, self-determination and cultural inclusiveness and awareness by capitalizing and building upon the strengths of the community.
Organization Goals
TNAS seeks to foster a local Native community while bridging the various cultural and traditional practices members bring from their respective home tribal communities. Our objective will be accomplished by the following:
Address the needs of our American Indian community through programs and services
Cultivate cultural awareness among our American Indian community and for the public
Promote visibility and unity by advocating for our American Indian community
Support educational, cultural, and economic opportunities for our American Indian community
Represent the voice of our American Indian community through collaborative partnerships
Follow us on Instagram to see the heart of our community in action—events, stories, and cultural moments that keep our heritage alive.
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