Courtney Lewis

Courtney Lewis is the Crandall Family Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on American Indian sovereignty, economic justice, and Native Nation capitalism, particularly examining small businesses among the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She holds a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill (2012), an M.A. from Wayne State University (2001), and a B.A. from the University of Michigan (1996).

Her work bridges anthropology, law, and political economy, exploring themes like food sovereignty, corporate personhood, and settler-colonial economic strategies. Notable contributions include Sovereign Entrepreneurs (2019) and articles analyzing Indigenous responses to federal policies. Lewis has pioneered Duke’s Native American Studies initiatives, including new Cherokee language courses and programs fostering cultural bridges between academia and tribal communities.

Teaching highlights include courses on American Indian Nations Today, Indigenous graphic narratives, and Southern activism. Her recent publications (2021–2025) emphasize Indigenous resilience in pandemic contexts and legal battles over corporate rights. Lewis actively collaborates with tribal organizations to advance economic sovereignty and cultural preservation efforts.