Juniper Grove

-Sanctuary-

Amplifying Artistic Voices

Empowering Environmental Stewardship

Empowering Environmental Stewardship,

Amplifying Artistic Voices

Indigenous Connections


We, the founders of Juniper Grove Sanctuary, acknowledge that we live and work as settlers on unceded (stolen) land
many Indigenous Peoples call Turtle Island (North America).


These lands were taken, often through violence, forced removal, and broken treaties from the original stewards whose
Nations and Tribes continue to exist today. Most of those treaties were never honored; generations later, many
promises remain unfulfilled.


We recognize that the Nations and Tribes named below are living communities, not historical footnotes. Each has its
own stories, languages, traditions, territories, and wounds. They are the original stewards of this land are still here,
practicing ceremony, preserving culture, protecting land and water, and resisting erasure.


While only one Nation in what is now North Carolina is federally recognized, we honor all Indigenous Peoples who
have shaped, and still shape, this place.



Indigenous Nations and Tribes of present‑day North Carolina 


(Modern-day counties listed reflect where many tribal members currently live, not the full extent of their historical
territories.)


State or Federally Recognized Tribes


  • Coharie Tribe (Harnett & Sampson)

    • Descendants from Neusiok Indians. (Tuscarora, Iroquoian language).

    • Name linked to the Coharie River; may mean “driftwood.”


  • Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon & Swain)

    • Cherokee (Cherokee (Tsalagi), Iroquoian language).

    • “Cherokee” may mean “principal people” or “people of different speech.” (Federally recognized)


  • Haliwa-Saponi Tribe (Halifax & Warren)

    • Descendants of Saponi and other Siouan-speaking peoples.

    • Saponi" may mean “shallow water” or “red earth people.”

    • Language revitalization underway


  • ·Lumbee Tribe (Hoke, Robeson & Scotland)

    • Mixed heritage (Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan); lost original tribal language due to colonization.

    • Today speak Lumbee English, a unique dialect.

    • “Lumbee” is linked to the Lumber River and may mean “dark water people.”


  • Meherrin Tribe (Hertford)

    • Similar to Skarù·ręʔ (Tuscarora) language.

    • Also known as Kauwets’a·ka, “People of the Water.”

    • Language revitalization in progress.



  • Sappony Tribe (Person)

    • Also tied to Tutelo-Saponi.

    • Revitalization efforts ongoing; identity actively preserved.


  • Waccamaw Siouan Tribe (Bladen & Columbus)

    • Spoke the Woccon language (Eastern Siouan), now extinct.

    • Known as “People of the Falling Star.”

    • Cultural revitalization through story, ceremony, and education.


Other Indigenous Nations in NC


  • Tuscarora Nation (Present in NC; federally recognized in NY)

    • Many Tuscarora people remain in North Carolina despite federal recognition occurring in New York.

    • Language: Skarù·ręʔ (Tuscarora, Iroquoian); endangered and undergoing revitalization.

    • We honor the continued presence and efforts of Tuscarora communities in NC.


  • Catawba Nation (Recognized in SC; members reside in NC)

    • (Catawba) Eastern Siouan language; language reclamation efforts underway.

    • One of the few tribes to regain reservation land in the Southeast.


Urban Indian Organizations in NC


(Hold seats on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs)


  • Cumberland County Association for Indian People


  • Guilford Native American Association


  • Metrolina Native American Association


  • Triangle Native American Society


Note: We acknowledge that not all Indigenous communities in North Carolina are formally recognized by state or
federal governments. Recognition does not define cultural continuity or legitimacy. Communities such as the
Tuscarora in NC continue to exist and resist despite ongoing erasure.



Why This Matters


North Carolina is home to the eighth‑largest Indigenous population in the United States and the largest east of the
Mississippi River. Remembering whose homelands we occupy is a first but insufficient step toward justice.



Honoring Indigenous Language Revitalization


Many Indigenous languages in North Carolina have been lost or severely endangered due to colonization, boarding
schools, and cultural erasure. Today, Indigenous communities across the region are engaged in active revitalization and
education efforts.


These languages are sacred, relational, and often not directly translatable to English. We acknowledge the importance
of learning respectfully and supporting this vital work.



Where We Are























*Unceded land means land that was never voluntarily given up. It remains Indigenous territory in spirit, story, and
right.



Beyond Land Acknowledgment


“Land acknowledgments are a start, but they are not enough.”


Watch: “Beyond Land Acknowledgment” by Native Governance Center


Learn about the term optical allyship—and how to avoid performative support by taking meaningful action.



Our Commitments


Juniper Grove Sanctuary is committed to more than acknowledgment. We are actively working toward allyship and
respectful relationship-building by:


  • Learning from Indigenous-led education, reconciliation efforts, and language programs


  • Supporting Native artists, educators, and land defenders


  • Sharing stories, language, and history when given permission


  • Donating to Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives


  • Pursuing authentic relationships—understanding that invitations are not guaranteed


  • Applying these same principles of equity and accountability across all forms of allyship, including with
    LGBTQIA2S+ folks, Black communities, immigrants, and people of all marginalized genders and races


Are you a member of an Indigenous Nation or community who would like to collaborate, or who we can support? Or
an ally who knows of an opportunity where Juniper Grove Sanctuary can contribute? Please reach out. We want to be
in community with you.


This acknowledgment is a living document. We welcome correction, guidance, and further understanding from
Indigenous communities.


We remain committed to listening, learning, and growing in right relationship with the land and its original stewards.



In gratitude and solidarity,


Juniper Grove Sanctuary




Explore, Learn, Support


Here are selected resources for learning about Indigenous languages, history, tourism, governance, reconciliation, and
education.


Education & Reconciliation



Indigenous Language & Culture



Film & Storytelling



Travel & Cultural Learning



Justice & Advocacy



Legal & Treaty Education



Outdoor & Experiential Learning






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555 Fayetteville Street Suite 300

Raleigh, NC 27601


Mailing Address

Juniper Grove

-Sanctuary-

Amplifying Artistic Voices

Empowering Environmental Stewardship

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Juniper Grove Sanctuary (JGS) is women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned