Native American Heritage Month Cultural Performance

Campbell University welcomed members of the Smokey River Drum group on Wednesday, Nov. 8 for a cultural exhibition and performance around the main campus academic circle.

The presenters ranged from tribal leaders to members of the Coharie, Lumbee and other indigenous tribes of North Carolina. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to stop by, understand and appreciate the beauty of Native American Culture during the hour-long interactive performance.

“As a member of the Lumbee Native American tribe of NC, it is important for me to expose Campbell’s community to the rich Native American culture that exists all around our state,” said Dr. Al Bryant, dean for the School of Education & Human Sciences.

In fact, North Carolina is home to eight Native American tribes, including the nearby Coharie tribe based in Harnett and Sampson County, along with the Lumbee out of Pembroke.

North Carolina’s Native American tribes have also partnered with Campbell University to train its members to become better leaders. Campbell is currently running a year-long Native American Leadership Development Program. 

For the state’s indigenous people, the alliance is a step toward overcoming a complicated history and training the next generation of Native American leaders on becoming a stronger voice in the state. Read our Campbell Magazine feature Survivance on the connection between Campbell and the Coharie Tribe here in North Carolina.

“I love how open and welcoming everyone has been to this educational opportunity,” noted Dr. Bryant.