Welcome
Did you know that Kentucky was not just a hunting ground that native tribes passed through? It was a place full of peoples, tribes, and cultures who made this land their home. It's a land full of stories and traditions passed down for generations, through the years, all the way to now. To the more than 91,000 Indigenous Kentuckians who still call this land their home today!
Along with strengthening this existing community, Kentucky Indigenous Peoples (KIP) works to educate the people of Kentucky about the rich Indigenous history and culture, and show them how some of those traditions still influence us all today.
KIP works with the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission (KNAHC), and we also have members who represent us on the Governors Intertribal Indian Council (GIIC), where we make sure that the voice of the indigenous community in Kentucky is heard. We partner with some of the state’s top universities like the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, as well as state parks such as Cumberland Falls to make sure the history and culture of the indigenous peoples is taught correctly. KIP has also worked with cities in Kentucky to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
Announcements
Be sure to check our Upcoming Events page!
There are some events planned for Indigenous Peoples Day in October, and more will be planned for Native American Heritage Month this November.
Statements on Current Events
Kentucky Indigenous Peoples (KIP) is saddened and angered with the continuous discovery of hundreds of
graves of Indigenous children whose lives were lost at former Indian residential school sites in Canada. Hundreds of thousands Indigenous children were stolen and placed in Indian residential schools by the government. Thousands never came home. Many died and/or were killed while in custody. Though these
revelations have recently come to light for Canada only, similar accounts will be forthcoming for the United States as well in the coming days. KIP will and does stand in solidarity with the survivors and families of these
unacceptable horrific events in North America’s history. Our support, thoughts and prayers are with all affected.
If you are struggling through this difficult time, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former
Residential School students and others looking for support can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-925-4419.