RALEIGH — A bill to establish an American Indian Heritage Commission in North Carolina has been filed in the state General Assembly by Lumberton’s resident House member.

House Bill 765 was introduced into the House by Rep. Charles Graham, a Democrat, on May 3 and on May 4 was referred to the Committee on Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs, of which Graham is a co-chair.

The legislation is intended as a “major step in helping preserve the heritage and culture of the states’ Native American Population,” according to information from Graham’s office in Raleigh.

“Establishing the American Indian Heritage Commission will provide a means for appointed members to utilize their knowledge of the states’ tribes to promote the heritage, history, and arts of our cultures in a variety of ways,” said Graham, who is an American Indian. “This will help ensure the continued education and preservation of the heritage of our communities. Additionally, the Commission’s promotion of American Indian cultural tourism will greatly help as these places work to recover from the impact of COVID-19 on their industry.”

The bill calls on the Commission to assist in the coordination of American Indian cultural events, provides oversite and management of the state-managed American Indian historical sites, promote awareness of the annual American Indian Heritage Month celebration, encourage American Indian cultural tourism throughout the state, and advise the secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources on any manner that the secretary refers to this Commission, according to information from Graham’s office.

The legislation mandates the Commission have 12 members. Eight of those members are to serve through the recommendation of their state-recognized tribe, with the remaining four serving on the recommendation of the state’s four Urban Indian Organizations, who are members of the N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs.