The American Indian Institute (Aii) was established in 1951 at the University of Oklahoma as a nonprofit Native American service, training, and research organization. As a department within the University of Oklahoma's Division of Public and Community Services in OU Outreach, Aii provides outreach services and fosters collaborative partnerships with American Indian, Alaska Native, and Canadian First Nation tribes and bands.

Aii has played a significant role in documenting and preserving Indigenous histories. Notably, the institute contributed to the Doris Duke Collection of American Indian Oral Histories, which includes interviews conducted between 1967 and 1972 with Native individuals in Oklahoma. These interviews provide invaluable insights into tribal cultures, community life, and personal experiences, serving as an essential resource for researchers and community members alike.

For over seven decades, Aii has remained committed to empowering Indigenous people and fostering sustainable, culturally grounded initiatives for future generations through outreach services, leadership development, and advocacy efforts.

Our Purpose

Helping Indigenous Nations of North America strengthen their existing capacity to ensure sustainable, healthy, and culturally vibrant communities for the generations to come.