Our Programs
“It is so important to expose youth to other cultures and territories outside their own. Most of our youth are stuck on their own reservations; to travel from our territory to the Pacific and the Sierra Mountains was a huge growing experience for our youth.” - O. Lyons, Onondaga Nation
Upcoming Summits and Celebrations
The American Indian Institute is sponsoring a number of upcoming gatherings, summits, and celebrations.
For interest in participating in or sponsoring future events, please contact us.
Please note some gatherings represent traditional elders or delegates and will not be opened to the public.
People of the Land Summit
June, Blackfeet Community College, Montana
A continuation of previous conversations on indigenous land practices and planetary health, this series brings together academic scientists and traditional culture representatives, including Māori and First Nations.
A reconvening of the circle
June, Oklahoma
An homage to the original formation of the Traditional Circle of Elders. This gathering will bring together tribal leaders and their mentees.
Wabanaki women's gathering
June, Maine
Healing Turtle Island
November, California
A global healing ceremony inviting wisdom keepers from around the world to share prayers, guidance, and wisdom for challenging times.
Gathering info:
Previous programs and series
The Institute has sponsored a number of programs in cooperation with the Traditional Circle of Elders & Youth.
These programs serve as forums for issues involving and affecting indigenous peoples. The issues are clarified and discussed, and the combined wisdom and experience of the group is utilized in seeking responses and solutions. Responses may involve direct or indirect action by the group or by individual members. A response may be simply the articulation of a moral position which then becomes an important tool in the hands of individual members.
The Institute has helped facilitate councils and gatherings of the Elders Circle by disseminating information, assisting the host community with food and lodging arrangements, arranging travel for key Elders and youth, and finding funding sources.
Please view this slideshow of past gatherings.
Following many of the past annual Councils since the first in 1977, the Elders have issued a written communique on topics of concern that were discussed at the gathering. To read the Communiques click here.
