Here on campus, there are many groups that try to bring awareness to different cultures. One organization which has stood out is the American Indian Student Alliance group (AISA).

This organization’s membership and recognition are continually growing at CSUSM.

AISA’s mission is “to increase awareness and acceptance of American Indian culture and to promote the educational experience of American Indians on campus by fostering a positive multicultural interaction both in and out of the classroom.” AISA is open to all CSUSM students. The organization meets weekly. AISA strives to teach students about Native culture and facilitate leadership opportunities for American Indian students both on and off campus.

Lalia Basquez, the Chair of AISA and a Pechanga tribe member has already learned a lot from the position.

“In the short amount of time that I have been president of AISA, I have discovered the responsibility it takes to be a leader. I am still figuring everything out, but I am definitely learning about the benefits of hard work being paid off within a group structure that is different and yet similar to group work in the classroom,” said Basquez. “[There is a] pride that you feel when you see members of your organization having fun and being thanked for their work within the tribal and campus communities.”

Basquez said that this organization has many purposes. They provide a safe environment for American Indian students and they promote diversity throughout the entire campus. Basquez wants students to feel welcomed when they visit the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (AISA’s location).

Basquez wants students on campus to realize that AISA is here for them. In order to create a richer college experience not just for American Indian students, but for all students, AISA is here to help.

“AISA would like to bring more awareness and nondiscriminatory attitudes to CSUSM when it comes to interacting with different ethnic groups.” Basquez said, “Everyone is human, and we all experience pain when people can be offensive, even when they don’t know they have offended anyone. With this awareness, all students at CSUSM can learn in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. They can take pride in that CSUSM is truly a diverse and engaging campus.”

Join AISA for the celebration of American Indian Day on Nov. 28 for the many events that are being held here on campus.