American Indian and Indigenous Communities at the UMN-TC

Members of the 2018-2019 American Indian Student Cultural Center board introduce themselves during the 2018 UMNTC Spring Powwow
American Indian Student Cultural Center (AISCC) Board Members at annual UMNTC Spring Powwow (2018). Photo by Cuppa Joe Photography

Native and Indigenous Community-Building on Campus

There are infinite ways to connect with, and build a strong community with fellow American Indian, and Native/Indigenous students, faculty, and staff here at the UMN-TC. 

Whether you're interested in Native student leadership, programming, and advocacy roles, connecting with other Native community members over shared political or academic/intellectual interests and similar backgrounds and experiences, finding other Natives in your major program/college-- or even looking for ways to get involved on campus more broadly, know that you have many resources, opportunities, and networks here to support you!

Native & Indigenous Student Organizations

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American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

The mission of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is to substantially increase the representation of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and other related technology disciplines. AISES employs a full circle of support model that begins with pre-college programs, progresses into collegiate life, and then into the professional years of members and on into retirement.

Student membership is open to all STEM-related majors at the University of Minnesota and students from other institutions around the Twin Cities. Visit their Facebook page or email them directly at: [email protected] if you would like more information on how to get involved.

American Indian Student Cultural Center (AISCC)

The AISCC is a student organization that works to meet the needs of American Indian students at the University. It also functions as an agent for educating the broader University of Minnesota community about American Indian cultures and traditions, and provides a bridge between American Indian communities and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Email: [email protected]     Phone:  (612) 624-0243

B.I.G. Traditional Lacrosse

The purpose of Bayaaga’adowejig Ingiw Gabe-gikendaasoowingamigong (B.I.G.) Lacrosse is to teach and promote Great Lakes style lacrosse on the U of M campus. BIG serves as an opportunity for community gathering centered around the traditional game of Baaga’adowewin/Takapsicapi/Caabnaikiisik. All are welcome and encouraged to participate regardless of experience. For any questions or to get involved, you may contact the Circle of Indigenous Nations (COIN) at coin@umn.edu.

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.

For more information about their events, please email them at [email protected]

Living Learning Communities

Living Learning Communities (LLCs*) is housing option/program that offers students a unique opportunity to live in on-campus housing with fellow students peers who share similar interests, backgrounds and identities, or even academic goals.

Note: LLC housing options require an application. Some may have their own specific requirements. Consult the Housing & Residential Life: LLC webpage for more information about each LLC's requirements and application process.

American Indian Cultural House/AICH

Supported by our office, the American Indian Cultural House/AICH is an LLC program for incoming first-year undergraduate students who identify as American Indian, or Native/Indigenous.

Please visit our AICH webpage for more information about this program, and instructions for applying.

Dakota and Ojibwe Language LLCs
  • Dakota Language House for Dakota language students
  • Ojibwewigamig (Ojibwe Immersion House) for intermediate, and advanced-level Ojibwe language students
Identity-based LLCs
Academic LLCs

Tips from Our Office: Getting Connected!