HEALTH - ART - CULTURE - EDUCATION
AMERICAN INDIAN INSTITUTE
Celebrating 71 years of service to and collaboration with
American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nations communities. Aii started in 1951.
OU NORMAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Created by LAS working group
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.
Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Additional Resources for learning about the land you are currently on, a guide to acknowledging land and an Ally Toolkit:
https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
https://segalcentre.org/common/sitemedia/201819_Shows/ENG_AllyTookit.pdf
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month -- 5 Ways to Celebrate at Work
*Please note: Aii does not endorse the views of others. We simply strive to share resources we think our audiences will find useful.
Aii has a longstanding 71-year history of working with tribal leadership and communities, diverse groups, professionals, students – Indigenous Peoples – in communities throughout the state of Oklahoma and beyond.
The Aii community is comprised of diverse individuals, groups, and organizations including:
Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, tribal elders and partners, health organizations, health professionals, businesses, public health and science researchers, allies, advocates, traditional healers and storytellers, social workers, counselors, educators, students, primary health care, behavioral health, public health, prevention, and community outreach professionals, wellness leaders, nutritionists, anthropologists, and many more!
Aii provides education, resources, networking opportunities, and connections for our diverse communities. Our mission focuses on honoring Indigenous ways of knowing and being, health, wellness, education, culture, including language, and balanced living. We address contemporary issues in Indian Country while engaging, interacting, and inspiring each other as we learn and work together to address systemic issues and barriers impeding the progress of many Indigenous people in Oklahoma. Our motto is: Together We Thrive!
