FSU dedicates official home of Native American and Indigenous Studies Center

Florida State University dedicated the new home of its Native American and Indigenous Studies Center on Friday, bringing together FSU administrators, faculty and trustees and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida for a special celebration during Homecoming Week.

Now in its second year, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Center (NAIS Center) provides a physical and conceptual hub for community members who are committed to Native American and Indigenous research and artistic practice. The NAIS Center’s new home is located at 535 West College Avenue, just steps from FSU’s iconic Westcott Fountain.

“There are so many people to thank for this great day and this center,” said President Richard McCullough. “We’re so proud to be a part of this. This center will be one that encourages dialogue, fosters collaboration and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, both in Florida and across the country."

McCullough highlighted the significance of the NAIS Center in amplifying and honoring Indigenous voices while working to strengthen relationships with tribal nations. The center supports Indigenous research and art, offering educational opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

“At FSU we are very proud of our partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which is built on respect and shared values,” McCullough said. “I want to thank Chairman Osceola and his wife, Trish, for their friendship. That friendship is a bond that will help us to make strides in forwarding the Seminole Tribe’s legacy.”

Since becoming a coeducational university in 1947, FSU has had the honor and privilege of calling ourselves “Seminoles” in tribute to the federally recognized Tribe’s resilience. FSU’s relationship with the Tribe has deepened throughout the years, and the NAIS Center exists as part of a larger commitment by the university to collaborate with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Marcellus Osceola Jr., chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, said the NAIS Center will give others a chance to learn about the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples from the perspective of the Seminole Tribe and other tribal nations. He also noted that other universities are looking to FSU on how to set up similar centers across the country.

“These are the small steps that we’re taking to help promote (our tradition and history) with the university,” Osceola said. “I commend you, President McCullough and Dr. Frank, for all you’ve done. Other universities are taking notice throughout the country because this isn’t just for the Seminole Tribe – this is for all Indigenous peoples throughout the world.

Andrew Frank, director of the NAIS Center and Allen Morris Professor of History, said the new center is a testament to the long and deep connection between FSU and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

“It is a relationship built on conversation, on trust and on a belief that whatever we do tomorrow will be better than what we’re doing now,” Frank said.

Frank said while the NAIS Center will study the Indigenous peoples, the real goal is to work with them.

“(We want to) build new partnerships between them and the academic side of campus and our student body,” he said. “When we look into Indian country, we see them as experts, not subjects to study.”

Bailey Latchford, a sophomore seeking a dual degree in criminology and social work and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, said today’s dedication is about creating a space for community, education and growth.

“My hope is that this center becomes a sanctuary for Indigenous students and a motivating factor for future tribal students to choose FSU, seeing it as a place that truly values our cultures and traditions,” she said.

The university will honor its relationship with the Tribe during the Seminole Heritage Game when FSU football plays Charleston Southern University at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

For more about FSU’s NAIS Center, visit nais.fsu.edu.