NC H765

Establishes the American Indian Heritage Commission within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to preserve, interpret, and promote American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture.

Commission consists of 12 members: one representative from each of eight tribes (Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan) and one representative from each of four Native American organizations (Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association, and Triangle Native American Society).

Commission members serve two-year or three-year initial terms (staggered expiration dates of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2024), with subsequent three-year terms, and receive per diem and travel expenses but no salary.

Powers and duties include coordinating American Indian cultural events, managing State-managed American Indian historic sites, promoting American Indian Heritage Month, encouraging cultural tourism, and advising the Department Secretary.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium in recurring funds to support two positions and operational costs for education, outreach, and communications.