A place to call home: Examining the role of American Indian community centers in urban settings

Abstract

Assimilation has long been the driving force behind the federal government's policies relating to American Indians. The termination and relocation policies of the 1950s and 1960s exemplify government actions in this area. As a direct result of these two policies there was an influx of American Indians into urban areas. Abandoned by the federal government and facing competition from other minority groups for state services, American Indians began to develop their own service organizations. Urban Indian community centers, many pan-Indian by necessity due to the numerous tribes present in each urban community, were some of the first organizations created. These organizations provided services, support, and a cultural haven. This thesis reviews the history of these policies and their impact on American Indians and concludes with an analysis of research done at the American Indian Community House, New York City, which examines the contemporary role of community centers in urban areas.