Our Past Informs Our Future.

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.

Since its inception, TNAS has endeavored to promote and protect the Native American identity in the Triangle area by increasing the public’s awareness of the cultural and economic contributions made by Native Americans and enhancing the public recognition of the needs of Native Americans.

The purpose of the TNAS is to act as the official governing urban Indian organization in the triangle community. Furthermore, the organization seeks to unite American Indians together bridging various unique culture and traditional blends while holistically attending to the needs of the Indian population residing in the community.

Mission

 

The Triangle Native American Society (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 and the infrastructure that promotes and encourages the blending of diverse groups.

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:

  • Obtain and administer funds to address the needs of its American Indian community;

  • Provide residents residing in the Triangle community information and referral services;

  • Educate and cultivate cultural awareness through programming and other forms of media;

  • Promote unity and strength through advocacy for the American Indian population; and

  • Strengthen educational achievement by providing a culturally relevant learning experience.