American Indian Center

827 4th Avenue South is the location of the American Indian Center at this time (Hanson, 1996).

Currently, the American Indian Center is located at  901 4th Avenue South.

Vests and bandolier bags from 1929 that are currently being held at St. Cloud State University Archives for the Amerian Indian Center.

Gloves, moccasins, and other beaded items held by St. Cloud State University Archives for the American Indian Center.

About the American Indian Center

The SCSU American Indian Center (AIC) was established in 1993 to empower American Indian students and communities and to acknowledge educational needs and aspirations of Native students attending SCSU. A central goal is to recruit and retain American Indian students at St. Cloud State University. The AIC demonstrates and affirms American Indian value systems through their campus and community resources, and cultural programs. The SCSU American Indian Center is one of the two stand-alone American Indian centers in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, the other center is located at Bemidji State University.

The mission and vision of the AIC is to respond to the self-defined educational needs and goals of the current and prospective American Indian students. Utilization of both internal and external resources empowers indigenous people through quality educational programming. The center’s outreach activities promote awareness, better understanding, and sensitivity to American Indian cultures (American Indian Center). 

Watch:

AIC Interview with Jim Knutson-Kolodzne (AIC Director), 2017

AIC History Timeline

• The history of the SCSU American Indian Center begins on February 24, 1993. The University, working with faculty, staff and students begins by researching other universities to find a structure for appropriate programs and services. Starting in the fall 1994, St. Cloud State students will have access to a new American Indian Center. The Center will provide students an opportunity to learn more about American Indian culture. The idea for the center was first advanced by Art Koch (pronounced "Cook") seven years prior, in 1986, when he was a student. Koch later became the director of the Native American Program development at SCSU. Koch remembers that there weren't any resources available to American Indian students at that time. Susan Prout wrote a letter to the Vice President and a dean at SCSU requesting equipment and furnishings to make the AIC more functional, based on a request from Koch. The University put $4,000 towards the establishment of the Center, and hired staff (Ling, 1993).
• One month later, Steve Crow, SCSU associate professor of English, is quoted in the University Chronicle saying that up until recently education has been very “anti-Indian” and that they do not want American Indians to tell their own truths. Crow goes on to say that the American Indian Center will act as a place, “where Indians can go and be Indian.” While the Center will work with people from all tribes, there will be a particular focus on the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes due to the fact that SCSU is located in the center of their tribal areas (Nelson, 1993).
• The American Indian Center held an election in July to fill the seven empty board seats. The board members will become involved in crisis intervention work, such as providing food and shelter and offering to help with child custody cases by serving as a referral center. They also hope to bridge the gap between the American Indian community and the non-Indian community in the area through cultural and ethnic understanding (Mattern, 1993).
• In October of 1993, members of the American Indian community and other area residents meet to discuss ways to garner support for the new American Indian Center at the Dr. Richard Greene House. The Center intends to provide cultural awareness to the surrounding community, and for American Indian population, services such as career counseling, outreach, and referral (Kaluza, 1993).   Art Koch is appointed as the Director of the American Indian Center.
• St. Cloud State University/Native American Collaborative Partnership Plan planning proposal was created to develop a successful collaboration between St. Cloud State University and Native American communities through four organized retreats with students, Indian educators, external systems grounds, and University staff.  In November 1993, an email is sent to SCSU President Robert Bess. In this letter, Director Art Koch explains that American Indian Awareness Week has evolved into American Indian Awareness Month (Koch, 1993). The year ends with St. Cloud State University sending a planning proposal to the Otto Bremer Foundation, requesting financial assistance to fund the retreats for the St.Cloud State University/Native American Collaborative Partnership. (Kostishack, 1994).
• In an email from Rachel Beaver and Roger Jarrett, both First Nations People, it is announced that the American Indian Center and the First Nations People will sponsor the First Annual Powwow at St. Cloud State University. In the email, it is stated that food and housing will be provided to the invited powwow staff, drum groups and guests. Also stated is the fact that the St. Cloud chapter of H.O.N.O.R (Honor Our Neighbor’s Origins & Rights) will act as co-sponsors of the event (Beaver & Jarrett, 1994). A St. Cloud State University/Native American Collaborative Partnership Plan is implemented.
• In March of 1994, St. Cloud State University/Native American Collaborative Partnership Plan retreats are held and continue through April.
• A final meeting following organized retreats as a part of the St.Cloud State University/Native American Collaborative Partnership Plan is held in May of 1994. The information gathered during the meeting is submitted to the President of St.Cloud State University.
• Otto Bremer receives the planning proposal from St. Cloud State University requesting financial assistance to fund the retreats. (Kostishack, 1994).  On June 23, 1994, In a correspondence to the Otto Bremer Foundation, SCSU President Robert Bess thanks them for their approval of a $21,000 grant. Bess states that the grant money will be used to develop programs for the new American Indian Center which would be conducive to developing meaningful and working relationships with the Native American communities. However, due to the lack of a director for the center Bess suggests that Otto Bremer Foundation put the grant on hold until the position is filled and the planning can once again resume (Bess, 1995).  In 1995, the American Indian Center is temporarily located at 904 5th Avenue South (American Indian Center, 1995).  On April 19, 1996, an email from Diane Hanson informs the SCSU campus informs of a blessing for the new location of the center at 901 4th Avenue South (Hanson, 1996).  On  September 13,  1996, an email to campus from Marsha Shoemaker tells of another blessing, now at the fully established center, at 901 4th Avenue South (Shoemaker, 1996).
• In August 2004,  Jim Knutson-Kolodzne is appointed as the director of the American Indian Center, he currently maintains this position. He is a member of the Ottawa tribe in Michigan.

Services Offered at the American Indian Center

The AIC contains artifacts that are essential to Native American students alike, this includes, beadwork, regalia, drums ,and paintings that are displayed around the house. The paintings that are displayed around the house were created by Native American artists. The house was also was granted permission for students to burn sage which is used to bless and cleanse the house. Cedar hangs in the entrances inside the AIC for protection from unwanted influences.

There are several resources provided to students through the American Indian Center. The American Indian Center provides access to educational materials relevant to American Indian culture. The on-site computer lab and printers located in the American Indian Center are a few other resources that are provided for students. There are also classes and workshops provided to  teach students how to utilize these resources.

Advising is another resource that is provided to students through the American Indian Center. The advising services include assistance with the advising process, Financial Aid, academic concerns, housing, and career development. Tutoring is another great tool that is offered at the American Indian Center.

Counseling and Psychological Services are available at the American Indian Center for students, family of the students, and faculty.

Additional Services

While the AIC offers many opportunities on campus it also takes part in many more off campus. The off campus opportunities include the American Indian Nursing Project,  the Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference Leadership Retreat, the participation in Native American Ceremonies as well as the Native Skywatchers (NSW). The AIC also offers referrals to SCSU agencies and monthly student Retention luncheons.

Scholarships are offered for American Indian Students; the Henry M. & Eleanor Meyer/Joseph M. & Theresa L. Heltemes Memorial Scholarship and the Joyce & Marvin Holmgren Scholarship for Native Americans.

A few programs are offered to prospective students through the American Indian Center. The ENGAGE program connects the St.Cloud State American Indian Center Staff, students and other university members and offices with Native American schools of all levels. Prospective students involved with this program are given the opportunity to visit and tour the St. Cloud State Campus and to familiarize themselves with the services that are provided to students.

Another program offered to prospective students through the American Indian Center is the Advanced Preparation Program. The Advanced Preparation Program is designed to introduce first-year students who are admitted to St.Cloud State University to campus life and the community.

The Early Academic Opportunity Program is also offered to prospective St.Cloud State University Students who are eligible. Students who apply and are accepted into this program will receive additional assistance from the American Indian Center staff with guided class selection and support to help them succeed academically.

American Indian Center Events

The SCSU American Indian Center organizes and hosts many events and opportunities for its students throughout the school year. These can include the annual AIC House Blessing at the beginning of the semester, a full American Indian Week to celebrate Native Culture, which leads up to the largest event of the year - the Powwow. Also provided are Native Studies Workshops are  also provided for Educators, and even a few off campus excursions are provided  for students and staff, like the Spring Break service trip to Lame Deer Reservation in Montana or the Power in Diversity Conference.  Other on campus events can include the American Indian Celebration Dinner, a Fall Harvest Feast and Pumpkin Carving Contest, The American Indian Graduates Recognition, and the  Multicultural Student Services/ American Indian Center’s Awards Reception.  Also featured throughout the year are several American Indian Speakers, they are generally held in the AIC and are about an hour long. Speakers in the past include students, staff members and visitors like;  Craig Howe, Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, Emily Olson, Sharon Day, Darlene St. Clair, Terrence Yellow Fat, and James Vukelich. For more information check out the SCSU American Indian Website listed below.

References

(2001, April 22). American Indian Center Quarterly. St. Cloud: SCSU American Indian Center.

American Indian Center. (1995). American Indian Center Quarterly .

American Indian Center. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved April 27, 2017, from St. Cloud State American Indian Center: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/aic/about.aspx

Beaver, R., & Jarrett, R. (1994, January 5). Personal communication.

Bess, R. O. (1993, November 10). personal communication.

Bess, R. O. (1995, June 23). Personal communication.

Hanson, D. J. (1996, April 19). personal communication.

Hanson, D. J. (2003, April 8). personal communication.

Hanson, D. J. (2004, June 14). personal communication.

Kaluza, R. (1993, October 10). Meeting to address new Indian center. St. Cloud Times, p. 03A.

Knutson-Kolodzne, J. (2017, April 27) Personal Interview with C. Mikenas and B. Shields

Koch, A. (1993, November 18). personal communication.

Kostishack, J. (1994, April 20). personal communication .

Ling, B. (1993, February 24). American Indian center set for SCSU. St. Cloud Times, p. 01A.

Mattern, P. (1993, July 3). Indian Center to elect board. St. Cloud Times, p. 03A.

Nelson, R. (1993, March 23). American Indian Students Victimized . St. Cloud Monitor .

Shoemaker, M. (1996, September 13). Personal communication.