Click on the bold links below to hear the audio files for the pronunciation for the Tongva-language words.
AIS and AISC at UCLA acknowledge the Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and are grateful to have the opportunity to work for the taraaxatom (indigenous peoples) in this place. As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders), and ‘eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
Welcome to the UCLA American Indian Studies Center
The UCLA American Indian Studies Center (AISC) was founded in 1969 as a research institute dedicated to addressing American Indian issues and supporting Native communities. The AISC serves as a hub of activities for Indigenous students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community, as well as serving as a bridge between the academy and indigenous peoples locally, nationally, and internationally. We foster innovative academic research by students and faculty, publish leading scholarship in the field of American Indian Studies, and support events and programming focused on indigenous issues.
The Center also works in collaboration with some of the country’s most influential and respected scholars writing and teaching in American Indian Studies today, who have made UCLA one of the highest ranked and most respected universities in the field. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about us.
Dr. Shannon Speed
Director, American Indian Studies Center
Professor, Department of Gender Studies and Anthropology
Latest News
- Native Bruin: Past, Present & Future Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Navajo, Class of 2007
- Native Bruin: Past, Present & Future Deniale Urbina, Acoma Pueblo, Class of 2012
- Native Bruin: Past, Present & Future Catie Galbraith, Chickasaw Nation class of 2024.
- Native Bruin: Past, Present & Future Eva Thomas (Walpole Island First Nation)
- Native Bruin: Past, Present & Future – Patricia Bengochia (Bishop Paiute)
- Welcome AISC’s new MSO, Phillip Mellado
- AICRJ Seeking UCLA Graduate Students to Apply for the Book Review Editor Position
- AISC is Seeking a Student Publications Assistant
- Passing of our Native Bruin – Phil Hale (Navajo)