By Shanice Davis
Staff Writer
CSUSM’s very own American Indian Student Alliance embodies what it means to be American Indian by educating non-American Indian and American Indians alike about their culture.
AISA is an org. whose mission is to promote Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native cultural and lifestyle experiences on campus.
Anderson Gould Jr, who is of Navajo descent and is president of AISA, explained that through group events and activities, the org. promotes a positive learning environment for Native American and non-Native American students.
Gould stressed the importance of togetherness and solidarity as he said that one of the main goals of the AISA community is to continuously strive to reach out to other American Indian and non-American Indian students and inform them about AISA.
The president of the org. also encourages anyone who is interested to come join the club and get involved regularly.
AISA’s secretary, Stephanie Silva, concurred with Gould on matters of being united as one as she explained her take on being a Non-American Indian member of AISA.
“Despite the fact that I am not American Indian, I feel very honored to be a part of such a culturally immersed club,” Silva said. “AISA teaches respect, not just on a cultural level, but it teaches respect at an individual level as well.
“We learn to value everything in life and we in turn teach other to do the same,” Silva said. “Since I’ve joined AISA, I’ve grown as an individual through increasing my knowledge and empathy and decreased my ignorance that is associated with American Indians.”
As this month is American Indian Heritage Month at CSUSM, AISA has several events planned for students to actively address any misconceptions regarding their culture.
Events include “The American Indian MythBusters” and “Ask An American Indian Day” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 18 in SBSB 1118. These events will be an open conversation with American Indian students and Dr. Joely Proudfit addressing myths, stereotypes and anything concerning American Indians.
The other event is the annual San Diego American Indian Film Festival from Nov. 20 to 22. The first two evenings of film screening will be held at CSUSM, then on Saturday, Nov. 22, the screenings will be held at Pechanga Resort & Casino.
The films are directed by American Indian directors and star American Indian actors. This film festival serves as an opportunity to see the culture through their lens instead of Hollywood depictions of the culture.
For more information about the annual San Diego American Indian Film Festival, visit http://www.sdaiff.com.
When AISA is not tending to school functions, they work with local tribes and their communities to foster a better working relationship. The org. also works with the youth in researching and preserving cultural practices for the future.
They also enjoy spending time with one another and getting to know each other outside of classes and events. In addition to that, AISA also works together to create more opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference on campus and in the community.
On campus, the org. enjoys sharing their culture of music, dancing, history/traditions and lectures addressing issues of American Indians.
“We are sometimes misrepresented and misunderstood,” Gould said. “We would like to educate others about our culture and what it means to be American Indian. We are more than mascots and stereotypical images.”
Throughout history and even in the media today, American Indians are not depicted in the best light due to ignorance, but Gould debunks the notion of society’s backward views towards American Indians.
“Being American Indian means being strong, brave, thoughtful, caring, respectful, spiritual, resilient, proud, giving and understanding of each other and the world around us.”