American Indian Resource Center :: Anishinaabe-gikendaasowigamig

American Indian Student Organizations

Anishinaabe-gikinoo'amaagani-mawanji'iding

Council of Indian Students (CIS)

The purpose of the Council of Indian Students is to bring together Indian students at Bemidji State University so that they may inform other ethnic groups about modern American Indians, to promote better relation between Indians and non-Indians, to encourage other Indians to take advantage of the opportunities that are available for the betterment of themselves, to bring out solutions to problems this group faces within the University, and to promote the unique and beautiful history, traditions, and culture of American Indians at Bemidji State University.

The CIS is made up of a group of elected American Indian students that sponsor and facilitate events and activities at BSU.

• Some CIS events include:  Indian Taco Sales, Traditional Pow Wow, Food Shelf Drive, etc.
• The CIS was selected as BSU's "Student Organization of the Year" for 2008-2009 based on the number of successful activities and events they sponsored and facilitated in 2008-2009 including the event titled "If Teddy Bears Could Talk."  This event raised over $1,300 and collected over 400 teddy bears that was all donated to first responder organizations in the Bemidji area (e.g. Law Enforcement, Sexual Assault Program, Social Services, etc.).
• The CIS office is located in the American Indian Resource Center

American Indian Science & Engineering Society Chapter (AISES)

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society at BSU is a student organization whose goal is to stimulate and develop American Indian student interest in science and engineering and to promote participation at all levels of responsibility in the fields of science and engineering. AISES is a national organization, funded by the National Science Foundation, which combines science and technology with traditional Native values and encourages American Indian students to pursue careers in Science or Engineering. To become involved with this club please contact Dr. Pat Welle (218-755-3873) or speak to one of the club officers at the American Indian Resource Center.