The University of South Alabama recently announced the creation of a unique Native American studies program, thanks in part to a $500,000 gift from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The ultimate plan is for USA to offer the state’s first minor degree in Native American studies. While USA and other state universities offer courses in Native American history and culture, there is currently no in-state major or minor degree available in Native American studies.

This program will help enrich the education of USA students, by instructing them on the language, history and cultural traditions of the Poarch Creek Indians as well as other Native American tribes. It is also a positive for our state, because it shows a strong focus on preserving the history and knowledge of the Poarch Band, the only federally recognized Indian tribe in the state of Alabama.

PCI’s history is our state’s history, too, and it is important to preserve it for future generations.