LOCATION:
919 The Alameda
San Jose, Calif. 95126

The American Indian Center, a non-profit organization founded in the
mid 1960's by American Indians from the Santa Clara Valley, is a rich 
cultural resource that bridges the gap between reservation life and urban
life.  Over 80 different tribes are represented, including not only the 
Sioux, Navajo, and Cherokee, but also California tribes such as the Ohlone,
Miwok, and Pomo. The Center seeks to educate all on issues related to 
local and national Native American  culture and to preserve the culture 
of reservation life.

The American Indian Library (AIL) is a major attraction of the Center.
Mrs. Ruth Blank donated her private collection of books and tapes to
the Center in 1972, providing the core collection. The Center was burned
in 1989 and many valuable books were lost. The Library therefore relies
heavily on private donations and on fundraising activities for the 
acquisition of additional materials.

The Library includes cerca 4,000 books, audiotapes, and videos dedicated
to Native American heritage and culture. Included in the collection are
reports from the Oklahoma Historical Society, several monographs published
by the Smithsonian Institution in the 1880s, materials on genealogy,
treaties, tribal maps, reservation newspapers, ceremonial music--which
is played all day in the Center, and educational videos. The library is
the only public library in the state of California servicing the Native
American population, and one of 20 in the entire United States.

The Center has a gift shop that sells Native American art and has a
gallery that displays rotating Native American exhibits.
Various lectures, seminars, and concerts on traditional singing,
dancing, artistry and literature are held throughout the year.
An Annual Summer Festival and Pow-wow is also held.

The Center also provides various programs for Native Americans:

*Information and Referral, a program designed to aid Native Americans in
need of health care, food, clothing, housing and legal services

*Alcoholism and Drug Recovery Home, the Four Winds Lodge

*Education Resource Center, providing cultural education and
tutoring for Indian children

*Job Training and Partnership Act Program, providing employment
assistance to Native Americans

*Children's story hours

*Neighborhood food distribution

*Tax preparation assistance.

Further Reading: