The Association on American Indian Affairs (Association) is the oldest nonprofit dedicated to serving Indian Country! The Association is focused on protecting Tribal sovereignty, preserving culture, educating Native youth, and building capacity.
“Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples are diverse–there are 574 federally recognized Native Nations and about 400 other Tribes, Bands and Communities that call the lands in the U.S. their homelands,” explains Association on American Indian Affairs Chief Executive and Attorney Shannon O’Loughlin (Choctaw). “National Native-led organizations possess true legitimacy to address and advocate for the diverse issues in Indian Country.”
Formed in 1922, the Association has been dedicated to changing the destructive path of federal policy. From assimilation, termination and allotment, to sovereignty, self-determination, and self-sufficiency, the Association has defended Native rights throughout its 100-year history. The organization continues to provide national advocacy supporting sovereignty and culture, while also working at a grassroots level with Tribes to support the implementation of programs that impact real lives on the ground.
In keeping with their efforts to protect the sacred, the Association holds an annual Repatriation Conference. The Association has advocated for the protection of sacred cultural items for the last century. This has included the development of the National Museum of the American Indian Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Safeguarding Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act, and other legislation that supports the return and protection of Native cultural heritage. The Association also provides training and technical assistance and is involved with the repatriation of private collections both domestically and internationally from institutions, individuals, and auctions.
We are proud that the Association is one of Native Way Federation’s founding members. Donate today to contribute to their next 100 years of protecting Native culture, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency!
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