AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES
Prospective and current members should:
- Read and understand our mission statement.
If you do not support these issues and/or have different goals, perhaps it would be best to seek out other organizations. It is important to remember that we are essentially an activist group and that many of our political positions may be considered controversial.
- Know that we are not AIM.
Although some of our members are also AIM members, most of us are not, and we are never to represent ourselves as such. Additionally, we do not become involved in tribal matters or internal AIM affairs.
- Make every effort to become knowledgeable.
Learn about Native culture and tradition, as well as the issues. Education is the essence of our mission.
- Treat everyone with respect.
As a multicultural group, people of all races, cultures, and spiritual traditions are to be welcomed and treated with honor and respect. This applies both within the support group and when representing the group publicly. Differing beliefs may cause disagreements, but these must never be expressed in a disrespectful or abusive manner. If personal conflicts occur between members, please resolve them privately. Involving the group in such matters creaks dissension and is detrimental to our unity of purpose.
- Examine your motivations.
The support group is not a safe haven for frauds and “wannabes”. We all took different paths to come here some wish to honor their own heritage, some to express political solidarity. We find common ground in the work for social justice.
An honorable attempt to follow the Red Road is admirable, but unfortunately, there are people who need to realize that dressing like an Indian doesn’t make them one. From New Age dabblers to those who misrepresent themselves for profit, the end result is the same. Cultural appropriation and exploitation are the things we are fighting against.
- Ask questions express concerns.
At the end of each meeting, we open the floor for this purpose. Please try to limit this to areas of general interest. More personal concerns can be addressed in talking circles. Also, please feel free bring questions, concerns, and observations to the chairperson and vice chairperson privately. Every effort will be made to answer or address whatever is brought to their attention.