Auntie Knows Native
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State guide

Rhode Island

Community meetings, gatherings, classes and celebrations, and the tribes and organizations behind them, all in one place so you can find your community.

23,000+Native people (2020 Census)
48thin U.S. Native population
1federally recognized tribe based here
0state-recognized tribes

Population is the 2020 Census count of people identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native alone or in combination, rounded down to the nearest thousand. Rank uses the same count. Tribe totals reflect headquarters and official state recognition; federal and state counts may overlap. The Narragansett Indian Tribe is Rhode Island's only federally recognized tribe. Rhode Island has no process for recognizing tribes.

Listings last reviewed October 30, 2026.

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Gatherings

What's happening in Rhode Island

Events appear once the host announces the date and come down after the last day.

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  • Nov4

    Monthly Beading Circle

    67 George St., Providence · Brown University's Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative · 6–7:30 p.m. · Host's page
    Gathering
  • Nov16

    Haffenreffer Museum Tour & Academic Support Session

    1 Davol Square, Providence · Brown University's Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative · 2–3 p.m. · Host's page
    Tour
  • Nov23

    Nukkône Maiyash "The Old Ways"

    Online · free virtual presentation from Tomaquag Museum · Noon · Host's page
    Online talk
  • Dec2

    Monthly Beading Circle

    67 George St., Providence · Brown University's Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative · 6–7:30 p.m. · Host's page
    Gathering
  • Dec5

    Nikommo 2026

    Quonochontaug Grange, 5662 Post Rd., Charlestown · free Native artist market and storytellers · bring a gift to donate if you can · Noon–4 p.m. · Host's page
    Celebration
  • Dec19

    Cultural Survival Bazaar: Winter Solstice Indigenous Art Market

    WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence · $10 suggested, under 18 free · 10 a.m.–6 p.m. · Host's page
    Market
  • Jun26

    Strawberry Thanksgiving

    Ninigret Park, Charlestown · hosted by Tomaquag Museum · 2027 · Host's page
    Celebration
  • Oct2

    Cranberry Thanksgiving

    St. James Parish, Charlestown · hosted by Tomaquag Museum · 2027 · Host's page
    Celebration
Directory

Tribes & organizations

Tribes and organizations can claim their listing for free to keep it current and connect their public calendar.

Federally recognized tribes headquartered in Rhode Island

Narragansett Indian Tribe

4533 South County Trail, Charlestown · (401) 364-1100
Rhode Island's only federally recognized tribe.
Official tribal website
Page not yet claimed
Is this your tribe? Claim this page

State-recognized tribes

None. Rhode Island has no state-recognized tribes.

Urban and intertribal organizations

Rhode Island Indian Council

Rhode Island and the Northeast · (401) 781-1098
Urban Indian center and Native workforce center: job training, certifications, education help and support services
Official website
Is this your organization? Claim this listing
Help close to home

Community resources

Community centers, health and family services, elder and youth programs, and job training for Native people.

No community resources are listed yet.

Learn and visit

Education & culture

Indian Education programs, tribal colleges and university programs, museums, language programs and research resources.

College programs

Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative

Brown University, Providence
Courses, public lectures and community gatherings
Official website
Is this your organization? Claim this listing

Natives at Brown

Brown University and RISD, Providence
Native student community with cultural workshops and gatherings
Official website
Is this your organization? Claim this listing

Native American Student Organization

University of Rhode Island, Kingston
Student group sharing Native culture and history through campus events
Official website
Is this your organization? Claim this listing

Museums and archives

Tomaquag Museum and Indigenous Empowerment Center

390A Summit Rd., Exeter · (401) 491-9063 · drop-in Wed 10–5, Sat 10–2
Indigenous-led museum with exhibits, programs, Native arts and archives on the peoples of Southern New England. Archive research by appointment
Official website
Is this your organization? Claim this listing
Missing something? Send additions or corrections to [email protected].
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Ask Auntie

Tracing Native ancestry in Rhode Island

Where to look for Native American genealogy records in Rhode Island.

"Ay, jitos, Rhode Island is small, but its records are scattered. Start with your family's names and towns, then check the State Archives, Narragansett records and Tomaquag's collections before following the trail to the nation."

Why the search matters: Gathering your family's records may or may not lead to tribal enrollment. For some families, the road back to enrollment has closed, and that loss is real. Either way, the search matters. Every name, place, document and story helps restore a piece of what was carried, hidden, scattered or lost. Sometimes belonging begins not with being admitted somewhere, but with finally understanding where you come from.
Good to know: Finding a Native ancestor does not establish tribal membership. Each tribe determines its own citizenship requirements.
Have a question? Email Auntie at [email protected].