American Indian Outreach & Diversity Center www.msubillings.edu/americanindian/ The American Indian Outreach office assists American Indian students in making academic, cultural and social adjustments to Montana State University Billings. Activities include an American Indian Peer Mentoring Program, a professional network called Intertribal Clan Mothers, a drum group for Indian men, and individualized assistance in creating internships for all majors that are relevant to the American Indian community. This campus recognizes and has a commitment to cultural diversity that is demonstrated by the American Indian Outreach office and the Diversity Center. The staff of both offices join forces to provide advocacy for students, referral to other Student Affairs and MSU Billings programs including Native American Studies, and serve as a liaison with tribal educational representatives and other community organizations. The annual celebration of the Billings American Indian Heritage Day exemplifies the collaboration between MSUB and the local and regional communities in providing cultural experiences for students kindergarten through college. The American Indian Outreach office also collaborates with the Montana Indian Athletics Hall of Fame and School District #2 Indian Education Office. The Diversity Center is committed to providing a welcoming campus environment for all students. To accomplish this, the Diversity Center will foster social and professional opportunities, cross cultural training for staff members, and advocacy for any student that meets a minority sector by race, creed, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The mission of this office is to ensure we are meeting the various needs of all students through fair and equal representation and opportunity. Amistad, advised by the Diversity Center Coordinator, is a new campus organization for any student of Latin ancestry. As a new program, the full extent of focus is still a work in progress, as it will be student focused and student driven. Recognizing Hispanic students, offering leadership roles, and providing cultural activities will all be integral parts of this successful student organization. Intertribal Indian Club is open to all interested students. The Intertribal Indian Club is a student organization, established to assist Native American students in their adjustment to university life, to promote scholastic ability, and to foster pride in the cultural heritage of the Native American. The Club is involved with the planning and sponsorship of the an annual Pow Wow, the largest student-sponsored campus event. Other activities include social events that are culturally appropriate to share in a campus environment such as dances, Native Games, documentary films, and Native cuisine. NEXT: Academic Support Center |
