Press Release: North Carolina Urban Native Americans Invite Policymakers to Upcoming Learning & Social Event
North Carolina Urban Native Americans Invite Policymakers to Upcoming Learning & Social Event
Triangle Native American Society Welcomes Lawmakers to Bipartisan Mixer and Panel
RALEIGH, NC – August 17th, 2026 – State and local policymakers from all sides of the aisle in North Carolina are invited to a friendly mixer and panel conversation with urban Indian organizations from North Carolina to learn about advocating for Native communities in the state budget and engage with local Native peoples. The Democracy is Indigenous summit is hosted by the Triangle Native American Society (TNAS) and the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC) and will take place September 9th.
TNAS, was joined by Metrolina Native American Association, Cumberland County Association for Indian People, and Guilford Native American Association in walking the halls of the general assembly to personally invite policy makers to the event to meet Native American voters from across North Carolina.
“We invite every elected official and candidate to join us in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities because democracy is strongest when every voice has a seat at the table,” says Wanta Burns-Ramesy, President of Triangle Native American Society and enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. “Our Native leaders and advocates are walking the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly with a simple but powerful message: Native voters are engaged, informed, and committed to strengthening our democracy.”
The mixer is sponsored and catered by Trophy Brewing Company and Locklear Wines.
EVENT DETAILS:
A community mixer featuring food, beverages, Native dancers, and music, followed by an 8:00pm listening session moderated by NUIFC. The panel will bring together Urban Indian organizations and the NC Budget & Tax Center to discuss issues impacting Native communities, with a focus on the state budget. It will also provide an opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from Native constituents. Including special remarks from Secretary Pamela Brewington Cashwell.
When: September 9th, 7:00pm-9:00pm (mixer is first)
Where: Gregory Poole All Faiths Chapel
1030 Richardson Dr., Dorothea Dix Park
Raleigh, NC 27603
Attendees are invited to pre-register here, or show up at the time of the event.
https://forms.gle/PKPrBx5frc7rkTKx6
About Triangle Native American Society
For 40 years, we have been dedicated to preserving and promoting the Native American heritage in Wake, Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Chatham counties.
By raising awareness and celebrating our community's cultural and economic contributions, we ensure that our legacy thrives for future generations.
TNAS advocates for educational advancement, economic sufficiency, self-determination, and cultural inclusiveness, while increasing public awareness of the cultural and economic contributions of Native peoples, as well as greater recognition of their needs.
To learn more, visit https://www.trianglenative.org
About National Urban Indian Family Coalition
The NUIFC is the nonprofit network that advocates with and serves Native families living in urban areas across the United States, with a focus on representing Indigenous values and culture. The organization was born after a 2003 forum, hosted by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, which uplifted issues facing urban Indian families. After receiving funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the NUIFC began the work of connecting local Native nonprofits, and today, the NUIFC works with forty nonprofits in twentytwo states.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nuifc.org
Media Contact: trey.roberts@trianglenative.org