USDA American Indian Council

The USDA American Indian Council (AIC), is an employee organization,  formed to give a voice to the American Indian and Alaska Native community and culture within the US Department of Agriculture. The AIC  seeks to support the Secretary's diversity initiatives and works to promote cultural awareness among USDA employees.  Membership in the AIC is open to all.

An Organization Charter was adopted by unanimous vote on July 18, 1996. A copy of the Charter was sent to Secretary Glickman by letter expressing the support of the AIC for the Secretary's efforts in civil rights and volunteering to help in this effort.  Assistance provided by the Secretary's Office enabled the AIC to comply with 5 C.F.R 251 and be eligible for support services by USDA including the use of agency equipment, administrative support services, payment of expenses to attend professional orgaization meetings, a liberal policy of leave authorization to attend meetings, meeting space, internal mail distribution systems, and electronic mail.

American Indian Council Charter

To see the AIC Charter and Amendments click here. Charter

AIC Meetings

The AIC meets approximately ten times a year. Minutes of the meetings are distributed by email to members.

To see Minutes of AIC meetings click here. Minutes

American Indian Issues and Concerns

Giving voice to the concerns of American Indians and Alaska natives is a major responsibility of the American Indian Council.  When issues and concerns need to be identified, explained and shared, we will include them on our home page.  To see AIC issues and concerns, please click here. Issues.

AIC Officers

Officers of the AIC are elected by members in attendance at the December meeting.  Current AIC Officers are listed below.  To view previous Officers, please click here.  Officers
 

 2000 Officers:


Upcoming Events

For the date, time and place of the next meeting of the AIC, please refer to the latest AIC Minutes page. The latest minutes will also have information about other upcoming events.

American Indian Heritage Month

November is American Indian Heritage Month. Celebrations are held at the Departmental and agency level throughout the month. Each Heritage Month has a central theme. In 1998 it was "American Indians: Then and Now." A kick-off ceremony is held at the beginning of the month in the Jefferson Auditorium and includes honored guest speakers, USDA officials, and a drum. All are welcome to attend.

Activities during the month have included video presentations on various aspects and concerns of American Indian life, speakers, demonstrations, employee and professionally made posters, food, increasing awareness and knowledge of American Indian culture, and personal sharing of what it means to be an Indian in American society.

To see posters for American Indian Heritage Month click here. Posters

Wayne Brewer, AMS, and Garet Moravec, NASS

August 23, 2000