Clubs and Organizations
The Native American Center supports a number of student clubs and organizations to promote cultural awareness and community involvement. Below is a list of organizations currently supported by the Native American Center.
American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL)
The Fort Lewis College chapter of American Indian Business Leaders was organized in September of 1998. AIBL is a student-based program that supports and mentors students in business and those in other academic areas who are interested in business and tribal economic development. The 30+ AIBL student chapters are designed to provide peer support, leadership/mentoring, career guidance, business networking, scholarships, and internship placements. A few of the events that the Fort Lewis Chapter sponsors are:
- A year-long speaker series on Native business and economics
- Fundraisers to attend the national AIBL conferenc
For more information visit AIBL's national website: www.aibl.org
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
An organization devoted to encouraging Native American students to enter professions related to science and engineering. The organization encourages participation of its members in fundraising activities, community projects and school-related events. In 1990 and 1997, the Fort Lewis College AISES Chapter received the award for being the most outstanding chapter in the nation. Active since 1982, the FLC chapter is now one of the largest of approximately 70 chapters in the United States. Activities include:
- Hosting a Southwest Regional AISES Conference in February for colleges and high schools each year
- Fundraisers to attend national AISES conference
- Initiating other AISES chapters in the Southwest
- Advising and mentoring high school and middle school students during summer out-reach programs in science, math and engineering
For more information visit AISES's national website: www.aises.org
Bala-Sinem (The Red People) Performing Choir
A choral group that promotes, preserves and performs traditional music of American Indians. The Bala Sinem (meaning Red People in the Hopi language) Choir was first organized in 1970. This intertribal group performs in traditional dress and students contribute songs and chants from their respective tribes to develop a beautiful repertoire of Indian music.
Buffalo Society: Information Up Coming
Campus Ministries: Information Up Coming
Intertribal News: Change in progress
Native American Honor Society (NAHS)
Dedicated to recognizing the academic achievements of Native students at Fort Lewis College. Students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, have completed 12 credit hours and have a GPA of at least 3.0 may become members of NAHS. Members may be identified at graduation by the purple and white honor cords they wear.
Pejuta Tipi Society
Educates Native and non-Native students alike aboutindigenous spirituality, and encourages and promotes the expression of beliefs and ceremonial activities. Pejuta promotes a positive academic environment by weaving together culture, tradition and holistic healing as supported by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
Small Axe Small Steps (SASS)
The mission of SASS is to help students develop leadership and communication skills while working on projects that promote environmental stewardship and social justice. SASS networks with other Native organizations that have similar commitments,
Soaring Echo Drum: Information Up Coming
Wanbli Ota
A student organization whose membership is open to all Forty Lewis College students, Wanbli Ota organizes and sponsors events that promote cultural awareness. Foremost among these is a long-time tradition at Fort Lewis College, the annual Hozhoni Days Gathering, which includes a a Cultural Speaker Series, a contest Powwow, and the Miss Hozhoni Pageant.
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