American Indian Graduate Student Association at ASU
Arizona State University
About American Indian Graduate Student Association at ASU
Housed in Discovery Hall on Arizona State University's Tempe campus, the American Indian Graduate Student Association represents a community of Indigenous scholars dedicated to advancing Native voices in higher education. This student organization brings together graduate students who share a commitment to centering Indigenous experiences, protecting tribal sovereignty, and promoting self-determination across American Indian nations. The association is rooted in the university's American Indian Studies program, which has championed Indigenous-led education and research since its establishment in 2002.
The organization serves as a gathering place for students pursuing degrees in Indigenous rights and social justice, tribal leadership and governance, and Indigenous education. Members are part of a legacy of scholars and faculty who have studied critical topics including U.S. Indian law, colonization and decolonization, and nation-building strategies designed to strengthen Native communities. The association provides peer support, networking, and collaborative opportunities for graduate students navigating advanced study while maintaining connection to their Indigenous identities and communities.
Beyond academics, the American Indian Graduate Student Association in Tempe, Arizona connects members with practical experience through internships and partnerships with tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and community institutions. Students gain access to the Labriola National American Indian Data Center, an Indigenous-led library featuring archives and resources essential to community-centered research. The association embodies a commitment to grounded knowledge, traditional perspectives, and the collective goal of uplifting Native nations and creating more equitable societies through education, leadership development, and sustained community engagement.