American Indian Student Association Records

Identity elements

Reference code

SDSU-Archives UA 063.03

Level of description

Records

Title

American Indian Student Association Records

Date(s)

  • 1991-2014, undated (Creation)

Extent

3.45 linear feet (4 document cases, 1 half-document case,1 oversize box) aidop-visual materials, photographs

Name of creator

Administrative history

The Native American Club was first organized in 1992 under the leadership of Jack Marken, Head of the English Department. The club was established with four primary objectives. These objectives included hosting prospective Native American students, providing academic support through tutoring, offering a space for Native American students to engage with their culture, and promoting cultural awareness through programs and activities for the South Dakota State University and Brookings communities.

The Native American Club sponsored a wide range of activities and events, including hand games tournaments, Indian taco sales, basketball tournaments, and Indigenous conferences. The organization is best known for establishing the South Dakota State University Wacipi. The club held its first contest Wacipi in 1977. After a hiatus, the contest resumed in 1990 and has since been held annually as a Native American Club event.

In 2015, the Native American Club changed its name to the American Indian Student Association. Following the name change, the scope of the organization’s objectives was reduced. The American Indian Student Association no longer hosted prospective Native American students or provided tutoring services. The association continues to provide a welcoming space for Native American students and to support cultural awareness programs and activities.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

The American Indian Student Association Records are composed mainly of materials documenting the activities of the Native American Club and its successor organization at South Dakota State University. The records date primarily from the early 1990s through 2014 and include administrative files, financial records, correspondence, meeting notes, recruitment materials, photographs, posters, and audiovisual media. A major component of the collection documents the South Dakota State University Wacipi, which was created and organized by the Native American Club and represents the largest and most prominent activity reflected in the records. Materials related to the Wacipi include photographs, financial records, budgets, audiovisual recordings, posters, evaluations, logs, and contest documentation. The collection also includes documentation of other club activities such as hand games, picnics, basketball tournaments, travel, and community outreach events, as well as general club finances and budget requests submitted to the Student Association. Formats include paper records, photographs, VHS cassettes, CDs, DVDs, micro audiocassettes, and a photo album.

This collection documents Native American student organization activity, cultural programming, and student leadership at South Dakota State University. It is particularly significant for its extensive documentation of the SDSU Wacipi, illustrating the role of Native American students in preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural traditions within a university environment. The records also provide insight into student organization governance, funding, and campus engagement, as well as the transition from the Native American Club to the American Indian Student Association.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

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South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

  • Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
  • Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
  • Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
  • Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
  • Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

    For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

Languages of the material

  • English

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    Notes element

    General note

    Copyright and Use Statement

    In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

    Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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