Governor's Office of Community Initiatives

Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs

Applying for an Ethnic Commission Seat Website Link

GOCI’s Administrative Director
Keith Colston, Tuscarora (Enrolled member of Lumbee Tribe, North Carolina)

The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs: Serves the interests Native American communities in Maryland by:

Aiding in the process of obtaining State and/or Federal recognition.

Promotes awareness and better understanding of the historic and contemporary contributions of Native Americans to Maryland by:

Assisting in the protection of Native American burial sites and other culturally significant sites.
Organizing and maintaining a database of resources specific to Native American history and culture in Maryland.
Publishing information and giving presentations on the culture and accomplishments of Native American groups in Maryland.
Serving as a statewide clearinghouse of information for and about the Native American communities of Maryland.

Assists state, local, and private agencies provide resources to address the educational, social, and economic needs of Native American communities in Maryland by:

Identifying and providing recommendations on unmet social and economic needs.
Bringing awareness of and support for physical and mental health programs for Native Americans.
Encouraging and promoting economic development in Native American communities.

Commission Members
The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs is composed of nine members appointed by the governor of Maryland and confirmed by the Maryland State Senate. A majority of these nine members must be American Indian residents of Maryland, and at least three members must be from American Indian groups indigenous to Maryland. Each member of the commission is appointed based on a demonstrated knowledge of American Indian culture and history, and understanding of the needs and concerns of American Indian communities. Commissioners are appointed a term of three-years, and can serve up to six years consecutively. In the event a successor has not been appointed at the conclusion of a commissioner’s term, the commissioner may continue to serve on the commission until one is appointed.

Tribal Affiliation:

Chair:
Tiara Thomas (Piscataway Conoy Tribe, Charles County)

Vice Chair:
Tom Bradshaw (Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Dorchester County)

Members:
Anne Marie Begay (Navajo Nation, Howard, County)
Lawrence Dunmore, III (Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Baltimore, County)
Norris Howard, Jr. (Pocomoke Indian Nation, Somerset County)
Peter Landeros (Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Howard County)
Ken Maynor (Lumbee Indian Tribe, Anne Arundel County)
Tierra Robinson (Piscataway Conoy Tribe – Choptico Band of Indians, Prince George’s County)
Clarence Tyler (Accohannock Indian Tribe, Somerset County)

NEWS:

The Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives and the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs proudly honored Native American Heritage Month with a proclamation ceremony led by Governor Wes Moore.

Standing alongside members of the Commission and tribal leaders, Governor Moore recognized the invaluable contributions of Maryland’s indigenous communities and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving and uplifting their heritage.

This celebration serves as a reminder of the rich history and vibrant culture of indigenous Marylanders, whose stories and contributions continue to shape the fabric of our state. Together, we remain committed to fostering inclusion, understanding, and progress for all Marylanders.

2024 Public Meetings
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs (Held on Mondays via Zoom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

January 27, 2024, Saturday, In-person from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SPS Meeting Agenda Minutes
February 2, 2024, Special Call Meeting Agenda Video Minutes
February 5, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
March 25, 2024 Special Call Meeting Agenda Video Minutes
April 1, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
June 3, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
August 5, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
October 7, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
December 2, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes

2024 Announcements and Opportunities

MARCO News – Winter 2024 PDF
March 18, 2024 Deadline – Maryland Historical Trust – Apply for NOW to the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program! PDF Website Link
February 2024 MSAC Updates Website Link
February 15, 2024 (Deadline) MSAC – Apply to be a Folklife Network Panelist Today Website Link
January 30, 2024 – Chesapeake Conservation – More News You Can Use PDF Protecting Program Open Spaces Video Program Open Spaces Video

2024 Events

April 27, 2024 – The Nanticokes and the Chicone Village Project Website Link
November 1, 2024 – Annual American Indian Heritage Month Kickoff
November 29, 2024 – Native American Heritage Day

August 17, 2024 – Tradition Bearers of the Pocomoke Indian Nation – Flyer September 6, 2024 – A Summit of Maryland Indigenous People and Archaeologists – More Info

September 14, 2024 – 32nd Annual Native American Festival 10 AM – 6 PM, Vienna, MD Baseball Field Flyer

2023 Events and Programs

Happy American Indian Heritage Month