Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission

Mission

The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission was established in 1996 (KRS 171.820-171.822) to recognize and promote Native American contributions and influence in Kentucky’s history and culture. The commission has 17 members (the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary or designee, plus 16 members appointed by the Governor), eight of whom are required to be of Native American heritage. The commission also includes representatives from institutions of higher learning, archaeology, Native American arts and the public.

Our Vision

All Kentuckians will recognize, appreciate and understand the significant contributions Native Americans have made to Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage. Through education and increased awareness, the people of Kentucky will understand the histories, cultures and matters of concern to Native American peoples.

Our Goals

To promote increased awareness of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission within state agencies
To promote the role and importance of Native American peoples to the history and development of the Commonwealth through teacher education, media relations, and public education
To develop and promote an accurate depiction of Native Americans through media relations, research, and educational programs
To develop programs, events, and materials for and about Native American peoples
To serve as a clearinghouse for information for and about Native Americans in Kentucky
To develop and maintain partnerships between Native American peoples, agencies, and organizations in promoting the goals and objectives of the Commission
To promote conservation and preservation of the cultures, ideals, and artifacts of Native Americans in Kentucky
To promote existing and needed legislation to protect and promote the heritage of Native American peoples

KNAHC | America250KY Grants

2025

KNAHC Posters | $4,000 | Statewide | Reprint of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Month poster (Eastern KY River scene) Design and Print Western KY Native American History poster

Kentucky Fair Board | $7000 | Jefferson County | Produce 2 murals for the 2025 State Fair exhibition Wilderness Road 250.

Living Archaeology Weekend | $7000 | Powell/Wolfe Counties | Support funding for bringing United Keetoowah Cherokee presenters from Oklahoma

Filson Historical Society | $2000 | Jefferson County | Funding for a speaker series to include scholars, artists and/or tribal historians knowledgeable about the history of the Ohio River Valley. To include speakers addressing contemporary issues as well as historic events and other topics of interest pertaining to the Native history of Kentucky.

2026

Living Archaeology Weekend | $7500 | Whitley County | Support funding for bringing United Keetoowah Cherokee presenters from Oklahoma to Living Archaeology Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. This annual event will be held September 18-19, 2026, and more information can be found at livingarchaeologyweekend.org

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth | $1500 | Corbin, KY | Support funding for Native American Heritage Weekend, held at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in April of 2026.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | $2500 | Fayette County | Support printing for signage for The Native American Story Walk that will function as programming around the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary ADA Discovery Trail as a part of the “Human History at Raven Run” exhibit.

Undermain Arts | $7000 | Richmond, KY | Supporting the six-part Undermain/Eastern Standard series "The Art of the Originals: Native American Art in the 21st Century," which explores Native American tropes and stereotypes in musical theatre, from historical examples to more accurate and culturally sensitive present-day productions created by indigenous playwrights, directors, actors and others.

Murray State University | $1500 | Murray, KY | Faculty and students at Murray State University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, in coordination with the Archaeological Conservancy and Kentucky Heritage Council, undertook the mapping of heavily damaged stone box graves and mounds at the Page Site in Logan County, Kentucky. Grant funds allocated will help defray the costs associated with updating the Conservancy’s and KHC’s map of these archaeological features for future stewardship and protection.

Educational Initiatives

Native American Heritage Month Poster
Teaching About American Indians: Stereotypes and Contributions, a Resource Packet for Kentucky Teachers
A Native Presence: A Companion Guide For Middle and Elementary School Teachers (Grades 4-8), for use with KET program, A Native Presence
Native Americans: Who Are They Today? A Discipline-Based Unit in Social Studies for Grades 4-5 (co-funded by the Kentucky Department of Education)
Initiated planning for a Kentucky Native American Arts and Cultural Center

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