Southeast American Indian Studies

Connecting Culture & Curriculum

UNC Pembroke's Southeast American Indian Studies (SAIS) program connects students, researchers and tribal communities through a dedicated space for American Indian studies programs and Indigenous research. SAIS programs at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø honor and affirm the cultural, political and social contributions of Indigenous communities across the Southeast.

Preserving Culture, Promoting Scholarship

SAIS at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø connects Indigenous heritage to academic and community support, offering one-of-a-kind American Indian studies programs and outreach opportunities. Our programs foster collaborations across the Southeast, advancing cultural preservation and Indigenous research at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
An open book displaying vintage Lumbee photos

SAIS Initiatives

Expanding Indigenous Research and Learning

SAIS leads vital research initiatives rooted in Indigenous knowledge, including traditional health practices, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. These efforts not only strengthen SAIS academic programs, but also empower tribal communities by supporting self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and holistic well-being.
alt text

Community Outreach

Engaging Tribal Communities and Beyond

The Southeast American Indian Studies Program at UNC Pembroke builds strong partnerships between the university and tribal communities. Through educational programs, public lectures and cultural events, SAIS celebrates and shares the rich heritage of Southeast American Indian peoples — fostering collaboration, understanding and pride.
Native American student reads a book

SAIS Resources

Tools and Support for Tribal Communities

Access to specialized research collections and support networks helps students, faculty and tribal members engage more deeply with American Indian studies. At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, these resources are central to advancing scholarship and honoring cultural traditions.

honeycomb yellow

Carrying Tradition Forward

SAIS at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø provide Indigenous students and scholars with unique opportunities to connect with their heritage, support cultural preservation and pursue impactful research. Our programs reflect 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s commitment to supporting tribal communities.

American Indian Studies

51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers a unique American Indian Studies degree focusing on indigenous communities’ history and culture. Gain insights into tribal governance, Native literature and archaeology and benefit from experiences like community service with local tribes.
American Indian Studies Program
51³Ô¹ÏÍø gave me access to professors who cared about my success. I was given every opportunity to make the most of my time as a student and learning American Indian Studies has catapulted me into a future career in law to be a bridge between Indigenous communities and the legal system.
Male 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student in cap and gown outside of the Old Main building
Zachary Young

American Indian Heritage Center

The American Indian Heritage Center serves as a central hub for all students interested in Native American culture and history. From gathering spots to quiet study areas and cultural programs that celebrate the heritage of Southeast American Indian communities, you can use this space to find others with similar interests and build your tribal community on campus.
Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center
The AIHC provided me with so many opportunities to connect with classmates, meet new people and participate in activities that connected me to the campus and my culture.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø students are sitting in a room in the AIHC
Kaloni Walton

Museum of the Southeast American Indian

A destination for history, education and community engagement, the Museum of the Southeast American Indian preserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts and traditions of Southeast American Indians. The museum provides a tangible connection to Indigenous heritage through exhibits and programming that educate on Southeast American Indian culture and history.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is a place where culture and history thrive. It was founded by Native people for Native people and that history was important to me. It was one of the major reasons why I chose 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø student Benjamin Clark inside the Museum of the Southeast American Indian
Benjamin Clark

American Indian Studies

51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers a unique American Indian Studies degree focusing on indigenous communities’ history and culture. Gain insights into tribal governance, Native literature and archaeology and benefit from experiences like community service with local tribes.
American Indian Studies Program
51³Ô¹ÏÍø gave me access to professors who cared about my success. I was given every opportunity to make the most of my time as a student and learning American Indian Studies has catapulted me into a future career in law to be a bridge between Indigenous communities and the legal system.
Male 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student in cap and gown outside of the Old Main building
Zachary Young

American Indian Heritage Center

The American Indian Heritage Center serves as a central hub for all students interested in Native American culture and history. From gathering spots to quiet study areas and cultural programs that celebrate the heritage of Southeast American Indian communities, you can use this space to find others with similar interests and build your tribal community on campus.
Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center
The AIHC provided me with so many opportunities to connect with classmates, meet new people and participate in activities that connected me to the campus and my culture.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø students are sitting in a room in the AIHC
Kaloni Walton

Museum of the Southeast American Indian

A destination for history, education and community engagement, the Museum of the Southeast American Indian preserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts and traditions of Southeast American Indians. The museum provides a tangible connection to Indigenous heritage through exhibits and programming that educate on Southeast American Indian culture and history.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is a place where culture and history thrive. It was founded by Native people for Native people and that history was important to me. It was one of the major reasons why I chose 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø student Benjamin Clark inside the Museum of the Southeast American Indian
Benjamin Clark

Meet our Leadership

Lawrence Locklear, headshot

Lawrence Locklear

Director of Southeast American Indian Studies


910.522.5790

In the News

Members of Alpha Pi Omega perform a traditional swan dance during an Indigenous Peoples
Oct 14 Mark Locklear

51³Ô¹ÏÍø Honors Its Roots, Celebrates Resilience During Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event

© Copyright 2025 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, the only four-year university founded by American Indians for American Indians, celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday with a day filled with music, art and cultural traditions honoring Native heritage and resilience.

Nancy Chavis

51³Ô¹ÏÍø Curator Honored with National Award for Advancing American Art

UNC Pembroke’s Museum of the Southeast American Indian director and curator Nancy Strickland Chavis has been awarded the 2025 William Collins Smith Auburn Award for Advancing American Art by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University.

Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz

51³Ô¹ÏÍø to Host Author Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz for Book Talk on The Indian Card

© Copyright 2025 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will welcome author and policy scholar Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz to campus to discuss her debut nonfiction book, The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America

Join Us for an Event