Native American Indian Association of Tennessee

The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee (NAIA) commits to increasing awareness of Indian culture, promoting Indian unity and organization in Tennessee, improving services in education, expanding job opportunities and promoting better employment. The mission of the NAIA is to provide social services and cultural revitalization for over 25,000 Native Americans living throughout Tennessee and to promote Native American arts and crafts.

 In spite of ancestral ties to the land and a significant population in the state, Native Americans have no place to call home in Tennessee. There are no reservations in Tennessee, so there are no federal or state services, representation, or recognition of Native Americans. To address this deficiency and disparity in recognition and services, NAIA was founded in 1982 and is the only non-profit 501(c)(3) statewide Native American Indian organization. NAIA is a service organization that believes in self-determination and was formed with a commitment to help Native American Indian people in Tennessee. NAIA also promotes and provides arts and culture education programs and events for Native Americans and the general public.  NAIA provides services from employment services to scholarships, job training and placement, emergency assistance including emergency shelter, food, medical, and assistance with utility bills.

NAIA recognizes the difficulties Native Americans face when they leave the reservations and come to urban areas. Our leadership reflects the people we serve, which ensures an understanding that aids in supporting and promoting the unique challenges that Native Americans face in a state with very little support services dedicated to them. Our Board of Directors is predominately Native American and our staff are fully Native American.

Our initiatives, such as our annual Pow Wow and Artisan Cohort, connect Native Americans to our essential services and job training programs. Gathering events such as these are also great opportunities to foster a sense of belonging for Native Americans, as well as furthering relationships with the surrounding communities. NAIA continues to explore and develop arts and culture educational materials with Native American collaborators.