Baltimore American Indian Center

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About Baltimore American Indian Center

The Baltimore American Indian Center (BAIC) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1968 with a mission to “assist and support American Indian and Alaskan Native families moving into an urban environment and adjusting to the culture change they will experience”. Following WWII, the neighborhood surrounding BAIC became populated predominantly by American Indians and was referred to as “the Reservation”. To support this Native American community, BAIC provided services that included education, skills trainings, workforce development, child care, afterschool arts, and seniors programs, as well as health and healing services. Over time, much of the American Indian community in Baltimore moved out of the city seeking more affordable housing and sustainable job opportunities. This demographic shift prompted BAIC to prioritize cultural heritage preservation and education programs, with health, housing and employment-related services provided on an ad hoc basis. While BAIC was founded by Lumbee Tribal Members, the Center is open to Native community members from all tribes and nations; we continue to serve as a hub for the American Indian community’s social and cultural activities. With 78% of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in the U.S. living outside of tribal territories our organization is an essential resource. BAIC is the only resource in the greater Baltimore area where Natives can learn what it means to be American Indian and that educates non-Native peoples about the myriad cultures and legacies of American Indian and Alaskan Native peoples. Our organization provides a welcoming, safe space for the Native community to gather; a place where people are treated with dignity, respect, and understanding, and cultural practices are kept alive.