In 1999, the three existing Native American organizations at NC State, The American Indian Science and Engineering Society, The Native American Student Association and The Society of Native American Culture, merged into what is now known as the Native American Student Association, or NASA. 

Meant to foster community, academic and educational support for indigenous people on campus, NASA is a place for students who identify with the organization’s message.

Kaylee Jacobs, a fourth-year studying fashion and textile management and former social chair of NASA said NASA is a safe space for Native American and indigenous students to find community.

“NASA is a community space for Native American indigenous students and anybody who is interested in learning more about those cultures,” Jacobs said. “It’s a space for everybody to come together, connect; it’s a very social space.”

Jacobs said NASA is focused on creating opportunities for Native students to connect with people of similar backgrounds, promote visibility and celebrate their cultures.

“[NASA’s] been all about creating space for Native students on campus and increasing visibility, and it’s grown throughout the years as more Native people have come to NC State,” Jacobs said. “We’ve developed an alumni network … It’s been a space for current students, but also former students, alumni and people in the area to come and connect.” 

While NASA is primarily an outlet for indigenous students to connect, students of all identities are welcome.

Christopher Evans, a second-year studying electrical engineering and secretary for NASA, said the organization is open for students of all demographics to learn about and appreciate the culture.

“[NASA] is a community for people to connect, [not only for] both indigenous and nonindigenous people, but those who want to strengthen their knowledge of our culture and grow, enjoying different traditions that we hold,” Evans said. “One of the biggest things is community where we don’t exclude anyone; everyone’s invited, we’ve seen several people come and go, but it’s all about being there, and being a resource for Native American students.”

There are eight Native American tribes recognized in North Carolina. These tribes all have different cultural practices, conditions and stories. 

Jacobs said NASA aims to highlight both tribes’ differences and similarities and to celebrate them equally through campus events, such as the annual powwow.

“Last year was 35 years of powwow. It’s a longstanding tradition in most of the colleges around here, like UNC, Duke. We all have a powwow,” Jacobs said. “The three big annual things that [NASA] targets: Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Native American Heritage Month and the annual powwow.”

Alpha Pi Omega and Phi Sigma Nu are two other on-campus organizations where Native American students can connect, not just with each other, but also with other communities off campus. Jacobs said Alpha Pi Omega participates in events held by indigenous groups in the Triangle area.

“We also have an annual convention, it’s called Grand Gathering,” Jacobs said. “That’s another opportunity to connect with people, sisters from across the country in one place.”

Jacobs said the organizations have helped educate the public about common misunderstandings or stereotypes surrounding indigenous people.

“I feel like people have this understanding or this thought that Native Americans are a thing of the past and we don’t exist anymore, but we are still here,” Jacobs said.

Evans said these misconceptions stem from the public’s understanding of who Native Americans are and where they come from and that there is not a single definition for people who identify as Native American.

“A lot of [misconceptions] stem from what people think and don’t know. We don’t live in a tipi, we don’t worship with animals every night,” Evans said. “We’re everyday human beings that walk around, [we] may not be easily identified … We’re still here, still walking around.”

Jacobs said these institutions aim to educate all members about each other’s cultures and traditions and to help members find ways to connect.

“It’s a way to connect with other people, to learn about and connect with our culture, but it’s also a way for us to learn about and connect with people from other cultures and learn about their traditions,” Jacobs said. “I think it’s super important to have that representation and prove that we are carrying on the traditions of the mission that was founded for us.”