The American Indian Movement Blossoms and AIM-WEST is Born

The American Indian Movement has sponsored manyclimate change, and green economy conversion for
actions, some controversial, but all intended to restoresustainable futures:
dignity for Native Americans and to change policy in- Educated people of the recent adoption by the
government and local communities. These policyUnited Nations General Assembly of the Declaration
changes are all aimed to better serve nativeon the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
populations.- Brought renowned national speakers and leaders
AIM was founded to return Indian peoples attentionfrom Indigenous communities to the Bay Area to meet
back toward spirituality, so they could cope with thewith local communities and talk with Indian youth;
western world and stay strong. AIM has been- Organized the 40th Anniversary of the American
successful in their mission, having laws changed,Indian Movement with educational sessions, solidarity
bringing ceremonies and powwows to communities,with international Indigenous leaders, cultural programs
opening schools and getting land returned to the firstand social networking;
inhabitants. AIM's fundamental belief is that no one will- Brought public attention to a racist exhibit in the
care for the future generation but ourselves.Golden Gate Park Recreation Area and worked with
It is with that idea that AIM-WEST was formed.local and national officials to implement new
AIM-West is a branch of AIM that is blossomingprocedures to avoid future problems;
around San Francisco. AIM-WEST is an important- Hosted the KPFA broadcast of the annual gathering
resource for Indigenous peoples in the Bay Area.at Alcatraz to highlight local, national and international
Some of the accomplishments of AIM-WEST since it'sissues and participated in monthly radio shows;
creation in 2006:- Initiated a "fish" giveaway program in Oakland and
- Organized a cultural event at SomArts in SanVallejo.
Francisco highlighting the history and accomplishmentsAIM-WEST is reminding Indian People that the spiritual
of the American Indian Movement;connection to the Earth and all the beings that inhabit
- Engaged in actions protecting sacred sites, and callingher is sacred, and we have to respect the spirit in all
attention to mining and water contamination on sacredthings in order to help future generations. AIM-West is
land:also demonstrating to native people that in order to
- Protested for political prisoners, and against policemake a difference, we have to take action and look
brutality, immigration and militarization on the borders:out for ourselves.
- Spoke at San Francisco State University about