American Indian Social Research Institute

Supporting the American Indian Social Research Institute (AISRI) Inc. is your opportunity to help revitalize American Indian culture and communites, namely through building the capacity of AISRI in carrying out the programs listed below.  Since AISRI is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, your donation to AISRI is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  Donations may be unrestricted in use, or you may designate the gift to a particular program or purpose.  You can make a monetary donation to AISRI in one of several ways, including online and by mail.  To make a special type of donation such as a work of art, real property, or securities, please contact AISRI for further information.  AISRI thanks you for your support.

Programs/purposes:

Redwing Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Redwing Memorial Scholarship Fund offers academic scholarships to Indian graduate students who demonstrate potential for excellence in the social sciences such as sociology, anthropology, economics, or a related discipline.  Emphasis is placed on applied research that translates into building capacity for programs designed to improve the quality of life of the community.

Pediatric Sociology: AISRI is committed to conducting applied social research in reservation communities, whereby the research and collaboration would focus on childhood and adolescent development.  This would translate into programs aimed at providing positive growth opportunities for Indian youth.

Quality of Life Survey: So that AISRI and its community-based partners would gain a more in-depth understanding of the quality of life among persons of South Dakota's nine Indian reservations, a comprehensive survey would be necessary.  Results of the survey would inform policymakers and other stakeholders in terms of development or enhancement of programs aimed at reducing any significant social, cultural, economic, and health disparities among such communities.

Sociology of Plant Life: AISRI plans to work with at least three tribes in the Great Plains region in accurately and reliably identifying medicinal plants that would likely improve the overall health of Indian people.

Social Network Development: Social network development activities include conducting Native youth health fairs in the Great Plains region.  Health fair activities could include health education, screenings, referral, and seminars addressing disease and drug addiction prevention; talking circles (focus groups) that Indian youth can participate in to discuss health issues; and networking for health care and social assistance professionals who work with Indian youth.

To discuss the types of gifts you can contribute, or any inquiries you may have pertaining thereto, please contact Donald Lake.  Again, thank you for your support.