In 2023, I founded NASI, the Native American Studies Initiative at Duke University. The strong success of NASI has allowed us to move from an initiative to a research program on July 2025.
The Research for Indigenous Studies & Engagement in the United States (RISE-US) is a research program focusing on Indigenous Peoples of the United States by uplifting visibility and education, research, and collaborations in Indigenous Studies.
RISE-US focuses on three main areas:
– Increasing visibility and education about Indigenous Nations and Peoples in the US on Duke University’s campus
– Supporting Duke faculty, staff, and students with their ethical, community-engaged research with Indigenous Peoples in the United States
– Forming collaborations on national and international levels across educational institutes and with Indigenous Nations in the United States.
RISE-US is thrilled to launch its inaugural year with The Year of American Indian Pop Culture!
Events this year include:
July 7, 2025–December 2025
American Indians Go Graphic Comic Book Exhibit, Free to the public
The Jerry and Bruce Chappell Family Gallery
Perkins Library, Duke University
Curated by Dr. Courtney Lewis and Dr. Lee Francis, IV, this exhibition celebrates stories about and created by American Indians. It explores historic and contemporary Native Nation-centric topics through the medium of comic books and graphic novels.
August 9, 2025–January 2026
Power, Presence, and Future: American Indian Pop Art in Action Exhibit, Free to the pubic
Native American Pop Art
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
November 15–16, 2025
IndigiPopX (Indigenous Comic Con)
Penn Pavilion, Duke University
Jan date TBA
Dr. Jodi Byrd Book Launch Talk, Free to the public
Indigenomicon: American Indians, Video Games, and the Structures of Dispossession
February 6, 2026
Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band
Duke Arts Presents
Reynolds Industries Theater, Duke University
Led by the celebrated vocalist and luminary Julia Keefe (Nez Perce), this all-star ensemble of Native and Indigenous jazz musicians celebrates the genre’s deep Indigenous roots.
March Artist-in-Residence TBA
April 2–3, 2026
Bear Grease: The Musical
Duke Arts Presents
Reynolds Industries Theater, Duke University
Bear Grease is an unapologetically Indigenous musical and a loving clap back to the classic hit Grease—reimagined through the lens of Indigenous culture, language, song, and humor.
Courtney Lewis, Phd 
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