About our communities
North Carolina Tribal & Urban Communities
Highlighted areas indicate counties where the eight recognized tribes of North Carolina (NC) reside and one recognized tribe of South Carolina (SC) resides (added in 2026).
Areas in yellow indicate counties where the Urban American Indian Organizations that hold membership on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs are located.
Click map to enlarge.
This map has been adapted and edited to align with the SAICEP brand. Click here to view the original map published by the NC Commission of Indian Affairs in conjunction with the NC Department of Administration (2021).
State & federally recognized tribes
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Coharie
Harnett & Sampson Counties in NC.
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Eastern Band Of Cherokee
Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, & Swain Counties in NC. (Federally Recognized Tribe.)
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Haliwa-Saponi
Halifax & Warren Counties in NC.
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Lumbee
Hoke, Robeson, & Scotland Counties in NC. (Federally Recognized Tribe.)
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Meherrin
Hertford, Northampton, Gates, & Bertie Counties in NC.
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Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
Alamance, Caswell, & Orange Counties in NC.
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Sappony
Person County in NC.
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Waccamaw Siouan
Bladen & Columbus Counties in NC.
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Catawba
York County in SC. (Federally Recognized Tribe.)
Urban American Indian Organizations
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Cumberland County Association for Indian People
Cumberland County.
(Holding membership on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs.) -
Guilford Native American Association
Guilford County.
(Holding membership on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs.) -
Metrolina Native American Association
Mecklenburg County.
(Holding membership on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs.) -
Triangle Native American Society
Wake County.
(Holding membership on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs.)
About NC American Indian Communities
15,000
YEARS
Indigenous peoples have inhabited what we now know as North Carolina for over 150 centuries (15,000 years) and despite overwhelming adverse circumstances have survived and thrived in our communities.
130,000
RESIDENTS
We are fortunate to live in a state that has the largest number of American Indians in the eastern United States with over 130,000 residents.*
*Based on 2020 census data.
9
TRIBES
North Carolina is home to 8 recognized tribes: Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan. South Carolina is home to 1 recognized tribe: Catawba.
4
ORGANIZATIONS
We also have 4 Urban Indian organizations here in North Carolina; Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association, Triangle Native American Society, and Cumberland County Association for Indian People.
reach out
We welcome opportunities to connect with tribal communities, community organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and partners who share our commitment to addressing cancer-related health needs among American Indian communities.
Whether you have a question, would like to collaborate, request educational materials, or learn more about our work, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the form and a member of the SAICEP team will be in touch. SAICEP is focused on understanding and addressing the cancer-related health needs of American Indian communities in North Carolina and beyond.
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