American Indian Student Association

AISA is an inclusive association, open to all UCLA students. Since American Indians make up less than 1% of the entire student body, we have established a strong relationship that supports all students in their efforts to receive an education here at UCLA. Our community is a place where students come together and work collectively in an effort to promote education and interest in their culture. We work as a community to dispel any misconceptions regarding the art, language, history and lives of American Indians. Each person represents their respective nation and is encouraged to express and share their culture. We encourage students that have lost a part of their culture to come and learn about the community and instill a sense of pride to motivate them to help the community. It is the diverse backgrounds that strengthen our group, as each student brings with them a talent or perspective that benefits the America Indian community. We are not just a club, but a community. Within our organization, we have developed student-intiated and student-run outreach and retention projects, American Indian Recruitment (AIR) and Retention of American Indians Now! (RAIN!), both housed under the Community Programs Office in the Student Activities Center. Both of these projects are geared toward the success of Native people achieving higher education. AISA also hosts the Annual Native American Heritage Week, the Annual American Indian Youth Conference/Basketball Tournament, and the Annual UCLA PowWow.

aisa.ucla@gmail.com

Signatories: Michaela Polacca, LittleDove Rey, and Daniel Streamer

Advisor: Kristopher Kaupalolo