American Indian Student Association Records

The Native American Club was first organized in 1992 under Jack Marken, the Head of the English Department. The Native American Club has four main objectives. First, the Native American club hosts prospective Native American Students. Second, the club provides academic support to Native American students in the form of tutoring. Third, the club provides a space for Native American students to take part in their culture. Fourth, the club provides cultural awareness programs and activities to the South Dakota State University and Brookings communities.

The Native American Club has held many activities and events including hand games tournaments, Indian taco sales, basketball tournaments, and Indigenous conferences, however, the Native American Club is best known for their establishment of the South Dakota State University Wacipi. The Native American Club held their first contest Wacipi in 1977. They did not hold another contest Wacipi until 1990, which then became an annual Native American Club event.

In 2015 the name of the Native American Club changed to the American Indian Student Association. The main objectives of the association downsized after the name change. The American Indian Student Association no longer hosted Native American Students or provided tutoring, but the association continues to provide a welcoming space for Native American students and provides cultural awareness programs.