Programs that Make a Difference

Triangle Native American Society offers a range of culturally grounded programs designed to support, educate, and uplift Native people in the Triangle area. From youth leadership and cultural education to community outreach and wellness initiatives, our programs reflect our commitment to honoring Native heritage and meeting the needs of our urban Indigenous community.

Cultural Identity

We protect and promote American Indian cultural identity through a range of cultural workshops and programs for our TNAS members, including:

  • Cultural Arts workshop series led by/for Native culturebearers

  • “On the Land” environmental stewardship activities

  • Dix Park annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow 

  • Workshops, lectures & events featuring Native speakers

  • Youth & elder intergenerational engagement 

  • TNAS Archive: 40 years of Native activities in the Triangle

Community Connections

We gather and connect with our large inter-Tribal Native community through:

  • Quarterly TNAS community meetings

  • Supporting our local Title VI Indian Education programs

  • Supporting university Native student groups and centers

  • Annual Christmas Party 

  • TNAS Annual Picnic 

  • Social events

  • Partnerships with local organizations

Resource Development

We aim to build resources to support the needs and interests of our TNAS community through partnerships and activities supporting:

  • Economic Development for Native people and entrepreneurs

  • Professional Development opportunities

  • Increasing access and opportunities for Native peoples 

  • Resource referrals through partnering organizations

  • Connections with other resource partners and opportunities

Visibility & Advocacy

We increase public awareness and visibility of Native people and culture and advocate for the needs and interests of our American Indian community through:

  • Promoting visibility of Native culture around the Triangle

  • Indigenous People’s Day Celebration 

  • American Indian Heritage Month - November 

  • Democracy is Indigenous 

  • Relationships with local and state government and elected officials

  • Appointed seats on NC Commission of Indian Affairs, NC American Indian Heritage Commission, United Tribes, State Advisory Council on Indian Education, NC American Indian Housing Authority

Indigenous people respect and honor water. Not only is water required for life, but it is also an essential part of our cultures and lifeways. In North Carolina and elsewhere, the affinity between Native Americans and water is so strong that we share our very names with the rivers and lakes that shape our identities as distinct peoples.
— Ryan Emanuel, Lumbee

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