American Indian Advisory Committee

The American Indian Advisory Committee (AIAC) is currently comprised of eleven members. Nine of these members represent non-University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) communities and entities, and two are UMM American Indian students. The community members often represent American Indian offices; tribal offices and communities; and/or secondary, elementary, and college institutions. This committee usually meets 2-3 times during the academic year and serves in an advisory capacity to the UMM administration in regard to American Indian student educational opportunities. Members of this committee meet with administration, faculty, students, and other professional staff in assessing the needs of the American Indian students at UMM.

This committee deals with the social, cultural, academic, and financial needs of the Indian students. For example, the committee has been instrumental in approving several Salt Springs Awards, which are given out on UMM Honors Day. They have also approved funding for the initiation of Ojibwe and Dakota language classes; the purchase of a computer for Indian student use; the giving of supplemental money for the Circle of Nations Indian Association's annual powwow, among other things. Continued emphasis on the hiring of American Indian faculty and ensuring that the University honors its historical commitment to American Indian students are just some of the committee's other areas of involvement.


American Indian Advisory Committee, 2007-2008

Merlin Williams, AIAC Chair Educator Elk River, MN Ms. Diana Canku , President Sisseton Wahpeton College Sisseton, SD Joan LaVoy, Director of Education White Earth Reservation Tribal Council White Earth, MN Jeanne McDougall Educator Naytahwaush , MN Kathy Denman-Wilke, Director Indian Education Program St. Paul , MN Teresa Peterson, Educator Upper Sioux Community Granite Falls , MN

Jennifer Simon, Director American Indian Student Services Augsburg College Minneapolis, MN Jody Steile, Program Coordinator MN State University Moorhead/White Earth P. C. White Earth, MN Jacob Croonenberghs, Co-Chair of CNIA UMM Student Morris, MN Ashly Fairchild, Co-Chair of CNIA UMM Student Morris, MN Delaine McKenzie, Co-Chair of AISES UMM Student Morris , MN