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.
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.
2025 Announcements and Opportunities
2025 Events
February 21 & 22, 2025 – 78TH Annual National World Championship Muskrat Skinning Contest Outdoor Show FLYER
October 18, 2025 – 17th Annual American Indian Festival – More Info.
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
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs Annual Reports
2015 Annual Report Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
2016 Annual Report Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
2017 Annual Report Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
2018 Annual Report Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
2020 Annual Report Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
