Overview

The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission was established to recognize and promote Native American contributions and influence in Kentucky history and culture.  The commission has 17 members (the Commerce Cabinet Secretary or designee, plus 16 appointed by the Governor), eight of whom shall be of Native American heritage, and includes representatives from institutions of higher learning, archaeology, Native American arts and the public.  Major initiatives of the commission include:

• Advise the Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council and the Kentucky General Assembly on matters relating to Native American heritage
• Encourage other public and private agencies within the areas of the arts, humanities and sciences to incorporate the Native American influence when developing programs on the history and heritage of Kentucky
• Represent a network of groups and individuals interested, or actively involved, in promoting awareness of Native American heritage in Kentucky
• Support the preservation, conservation and interpretation of significant buildings, sites, structures, documents, artifacts and lifestyles that represent and embody Native American heritage
• Recognize and sanction projects that advance wider knowledge of Native Americans' contributions to, and influence and impact on, life in Kentucky

[Enabling legislation KRS 171.820-171.822]

Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference
www.cowuc.org 

Kentucky Housing Corporation
www.kyhousing.org 

University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health
http://www.mc.uky.edu/ruralhealth/ 

Community Ventures Corporation
http://www.cvcky.org/