NC Commission Of Indian Affairs:
The North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs was created in 1971 by the North Carolina General Assembly in response to the requests of concerned Indian citizens from across the state. The Commission was established pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 143B-404 through 143B-411.
The Commission has eight statutory duties outlined in its enabling legislation as follows:
- Study, consider, accumulate, compile, assemble and disseminate information on Indian affairs
- Investigate relief needs of Indians and assist in preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs
- Confer with appropriate officials of local, state and federal governments
- Review all legislation concerning Indians
- Conduct public hearings on matters relating to Indian affairs and subpoena any information deemed necessary
- Study the existing status of recognition of all Indian groups, tribes and communities
- Establish appropriate procedures for legal recognition by the state and provide for official recognition
- Initiate procedures for recognition by the federal government
The Commissions goals include:
- Increase and maximize educational opportunities for Indians in North Carolina
- Increase the economic self-sufficiency of Indians in North Carolina and maximize Indian economic development initiatives
- Achieve parity in employment for Indians of North Carolina
- Improve the health status of Indians in North Carolina
- Increase the public awareness of Indians
- Provide for the state and/or federal recognition of North Carolina Indian tribes
- Promote recognition of and the right of Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful and to promote public understanding and appreciation of Indian culture
Information from: http://coharietribe.org/services/
