Valerie Lambert

Valerie Lambert is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds affiliations with the College of Arts and Sciences and specializes in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Her research focuses on tribal nation-building, federal Indian policies, and Indigenous resistance strategies.

Education: Ph.D. Harvard University (1999), A.M. Harvard University (1994), A.B. Smith College (1987).

Research explores Choctaw sovereignty resurgence, Indigenous agency within federal institutions like the BIA, and counteracting settler-colonialism. Recent work emphasizes how Indigenous professionals reform federal systems to serve tribal interests.

Publications include award-winning books analyzing tribal governance and BIA transformation. Awards include the Labriola Center National Book Award and NAISA recognition.

Teaches courses like 'FYS Indian Country Today' and 'Native Writers.' Actively involved in departmental diversity initiatives aligning with UNC's core values.