We have received much e-mail asking how one joins AIM. You may let us know where you are physically located and we can put you in touch with the closest sanctioned Chapter of AIM. There is no "membership" for AIM, See AIM Grand Governing Council Official Declaration but a commitment from your heart. You can not pay yearly dues and be a "member", but you can be a part of AIM through you're actions, support, and how you live your life.
You can stand up for what you believe in and not let the majorities do things that you know in your heart is wrong. You can write letters, sign petitions, go to rallies, and not sit quiet when you encounter racism. You can help your brother instead of just being out for yourself, you can look at someone's heart instead of his or her blood quota, you can stand up and be heard, and you can respect ALL life, including yourself.
These things are harder to do then pay yearly dues, but that is what AIM is all about: Commitment .
AIM receives many e-mails, letters and calls about things that are going on all over the country and world. We are putting some of them on this web site and ask for action and supportThe following is a direct call for support
from AIM Southern California Chapter
Pick up your check book and write a check to her for at least $30.00.
Everyone can spare that amount.
DO IT NOW. WALK YOUR TALK.
Then ask everyone you know to do the same thing.
She never asks for help....she gives it....she needs your help NOW.
Fern Eastman Mathias
c/o Fred Beale
11316 McGirk Ave.
El Monte, CA 91732
Fern Mathias In common with a lot of expressions associated with Native people today, the term Elder is bandied about with increasing regularity by some, who through their inappropriate usage, come close to devaluing its essence. The qualities of an Elder are not gained easily and the statue requires more than the advancement of years. Although she would probably counter the claim, few truly deserve the recognition of Elder more than Fern Mathias. For over sixty years she has selflessly dedicated her life to Native rites, to challenging injustice and standing up for her people. As a mother who raised her own family through turbulent times, it is doubtful that any event which protested and drew attention to Native American issues passed without Fern's involvement or attendance at some point in its duration. Her grandfather, Ohiyesa, authored a book entitled The Soul of An Indian, and it is that philosophy, the traditional beliefs of the Dakota people, upon which she has built her foundation. There can't be many grandmothers whose seemingly boundless energy, determination and sheer will can come close to matching that of Fern's in her role as a director of the American Indian Movement. Anybody who believes that one person alone can never make a difference has not had the privilege of meeting or knowing Fern Mathias.
The above passage is from the book entitled Of Earth and Elders by Serle Chapman
AIM Brothers and SistersWe have an elder that needs your help. For years we have watched Fern Eastman Mathias give of her time, money and sweat to help Indian people.
Now is our time to help Fern. Fern has been in the hospital for over seven months and has recently been released. Fern needs funds to help pay for meds and in home care.
Any amount no matter what will help.Remember this:
If it wasn't for Fern and other elder's sacrifices there would be no AIM.Please help with your prayers and any money that you can give.
Dick Black
Michael Haney
She has always been there for everyone, now it is time to help her.
Send funds to: (make check payable to Fern Mathias)
Fern Eastman Mathias
c/o Fred Beale
11316 McGirk Ave.
El Monte, CA 91732
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American Indian women and men all around the United States and Canadareject the use of the word squaw in reference to American Indianwomen. The word has been imposed on our culture by European Americansand appears on hundreds of geographic place names. Suzan Shown Harjobrought the issue to national attention on the Oparh Winfrey Show back in 1992. Since that time projects to eliminate the use of the wordon geographic sites have formed in Minnesota (Dawn Litzau and AngeleneLosh), in Arizona (Delena Waddle and Seipe Flood), in California (Stormy Ogden), and in Iowa (Fawn Stubben). Many other states areforming groups to eradicate the use of the word from geographic placenames and women's sports teams.
- When people argue that the word squaw appears in the dictionary, remind them that the word is also identifiedas derogatory. The Thesaurus of Slang lists the term squaw as a synonym for prostitute, harlot, hussy, and floozy.
- When people argue that the word originates in American Indianlanguage point out that:
- In the Algonquin languages the word squaw means vagina.
- In the Mohawk language the word otsikwaw means female genitalia. Mohawk women and men found thatearly European fur traders shortened the word to squaw because that represented what they wanted from Mohawk women.
- Although scholarship traces the word to the Massachusset Indians backin the 1650s, the word has different meanings (or may not exist at all)in hundreds of other American Indian languages. This claim alsoassumes that a European correctly translated the Massachusset language to English--that he understood the nuances of Indian speech.
- Attitudes of white supremacy account for the need of separate identifying terms such as squaw and buck. In order to justify the taking ofthe land, American Indian women and men had to be labled withdehumanizing terms. Europeans and European Americans spreadthe use of the word as they moved westward across the continent.
- When people say "it never used to bother Indian women to be called squaw, respond with the following questions and statement.
- Were American Indian women of people ever asked? Have you everasked an American Indian woman, man, or child how they feel about theword? (Do not say the word yourself, simply call it the "s" word) then state that it has always been used to insult American Indian women.
- When people ask "why now?" explain that:
- Through communication and education American Indian people have come to understand the derogatory meaning of the word. American Indian women claim the right to define ourselves as women and we reject the offensive term squaw.
"S" Word Petition Print Out Go to Top of Page 
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