Welcome to the American Indian Scouting Association (AISA) Web site ... Stay a while and get to know us!

Who We Are ...

The American Indian Scouting Association and its seminar is a joint venture with the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA. We strive ...

To help adults who are responsible for administration as well as troop leaders to develop their talents through Scouting to better serve American Indian youth
To help youth recognize their talents and capabilities through Girl Scouting or Boy Scouting and to serve their communities
To exchange ideas about successful Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting programs for American Indian youth
To help youths of all tribes and cultures learn by association to appreciate the wide differences of people of Indian heritage

What We Do ...

AISA conducts an annual seminar hosted by a local tribe or American Indian community. This seminar attracts both Indian and non-Indian representatives from Boy Scout and Girl Scout councils across the country. Highlights of the seminar include

Parade of traditional clothing
Pow wow with music and dancing
Visit with host tribe
Events/workshops for adults and youth

Our History ...

The American Indian Relationships Committee of the Boy Scouts of America was formed in 1956 łto advise and assist in reaching a maximum number of American Indian youth and leaders with a quality Scouting program.˛ In 1957, the committee launched an annual seminar that is held in a different part of the country each year. As the seminar grew, a volunteer steering committee was formed and is now responsible for planning and implementing the annual seminar.

Girl Scout leaders began to participate in 1964, and in 1969, GSUSA assigned a national advisor at the request of Indian participants. The seminars then became a joint venture of Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA in the interest of American Indian youth.

In 1975, 12- through 17-year-old youth were included as seminar participants. Since then, a part of each seminar program has been designed specifically for youth.

For More Information ...

For information on how to make the benefits of Boy Scouting or Girl Scouting available to local youth, contact your local Boy Scout or Girl Scout council. They are both listed in the white pages of your phone book.