Indigenous Initiatives

The region that is now called north Texas has been inhabited for at least 15,000 years.  Many people, representing numerous diverse cultures, have lived here.  These included, among others, the Wichita, Caddo, Kitsai, Comanche, and Cherokee.  By the time the University of North Texas (originally named the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute) was established in 1890, most citizens of Texas Indian nations had either been killed or moved to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).  Others went into hiding or assimilated into other cultural groups.

From its beginning , UNT has had a strong Native presence.  Enrolled in the first class of 155 students were 22 Muscogee Creek members .  Today, UNT has the most American Indian students of any public university in the state.  Situated between the 38 Indian Nations in Oklahoma and the 50,000-70,000 Native Americans in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, UNT serves many diverse American Indian communities.  The core value of Indigenous efforts at UNT is that they be initiated and driven by Indigenous people.  These may be elders, students, faculty, staff, urban Indian leaders, Native community activists, or Tribal leaders.  It is our goal to educate effectively, build dynamic relationships, and implement projects that will address real needs.  Please join us in these efforts!