American Indian Center

Mission: The AIC mission is to promote fellowship among Indian people of all Tribes living in metropolitan Chicago and to create bonds of understanding and communication between Indians and non-Indians in this city. To advance the general welfare of American Indians into the metropolitan community life; to foster the economic advancement of Indian people, to sustain cultural, artistic, and avocational pursuits; and to perpetuate Indian cultural values.

History: The American Indian Center, Inc. (AIC) was founded on September 7, 1953, with assistance from the American Friends Service Committee. AIC remains the oldest urban-based Native membership community center in the United States. AIC formed in response to the growing needs of a rapidly-expanding local American Indian population. The selective termination of tribal status, in concert with the Indian Relocation program of the 1950s brought thousands of American Indians from all over the country to metropolitan Chicago. This endeavor was a concerted attempt to break up the reservation system. Chicago was the only one of the five original relocation cities without a large in-state reservation. Thus, AIC was organized to help Native families cope with the transition from reservation to urban life.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/americanindiancenter/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanIndianCenter/

Phone: (773) 275-5871

Email: info@aicchicago.org