Despite the complex historic relationship between indigenous peoples and the discipline of anthropology, until recently there had been no AAA section dedicated primarily to representing indigenous anthropologists or advancing anthropological study of and for indigenous peoples. To address these concerns, JoAllyn Archambault, director of the American Indian Program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, organized the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists (AIA) as a new section of the AAA.

Founded in December 2007, the AIA unites indigenous anthropologists and scholars who work in and with native communities, primarily in North and South America. In addition to facilitating intellectual exchange around the study of indigenous peoples, the AIA advocates for stronger ties between indigenous communities and the field of anthropology, supports and encourages indigenous undergraduate and graduate students, and promotes professional work that will benefit both the discipline of anthropology and indigenous communities.

As the AIA continues to develop, it hopes to increase intellectual exchange by sponsoring symposia, sessions, workshops, exhibitions and publications. Additionally, one of the unique aspects of the AIA section is the prominent role of its senior members, age 60 or older, in governing and leading the section. 

The AAA applauds the AIA for its efforts to advance the study of indigenous peoples and for its dedication to building a community of support and encouragement for indigenous anthropologists in the US and around the world. Today, there are almost 100 practicing native anthropologists in the US and Canada. The AAA looks forward to a new era of collaboration between native and non-native anthropologists and the rise of new generation of indigenous anthropologists who will guide the profession into the 21st century.