Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 72 F O R T H E Love O F. . . ANOTHER OUSTANDING MONTANA NONPROFIT. T H E A M E R I C A N I N D I A N I N S T I T U T E SERVING THE POLICY DIRECTIVES OF THE TRADITIONAL CIRCLE OF INDIAN ELDERS AND YOUTH by LISA SUTTON e story of the American Indian Institute is the story of long, patient endeavors required to build trust and understanding among groups with vastly diverse interests and world views. It is a nearly 40-year long story that represents no more than a moment in the an- cient history of which it is a part. And, it is a success story among the many failed attempts to draw together peoples of differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds in peaceful, mutually respectful coexistence. A TWO-CIRCLES STRUCTURE In August 1977, at the Headwaters of the Missouri River, Institute founder Robert Staffanson organized the first gathering of what came to be known as the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth. e Crow Nation hosted that gathering of approxi- mately 35 American Indian spiritual leaders. ey traveled from the four directions to work together in forging the Two-Circles relationship between the Traditional Circle and the American Indian Institute. at unique structure is based on ancient Native American understandings as symbolized by the Two Row Wampum. e two Circles are equal yet separate, fulfilling their common purposes with mutual respect, and responsibility. e Traditional Circle is composed of grassroots spiritual leaders from Indian na- tions throughout North America. Structured in t he ancestral way, it serves as a living repository of indigenous wisdom and values. e Traditional Circle's sister circle, the Institute, is a typical chari- table organization, headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. It is a community of interest — non-Indians dedicated to the survival of indigenous heritages and wisdom. ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE TWO CIRCLES WORKING TOGETHER Each year since the Missouri Headwaters meeting in 1977, an International Council of the Traditional has taken place, hosted by an Indian Nation in a location of its choosing. CONTACT INFORMATION: Lisa Sutton American Indian Institute lisa@twocircles.org 502 West Mendenhall Street Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 580-4533 www.twocircles.org Two Haudenosaunee girls at a Traditional Circle Council Gathering Owen Lyons (white shirt), all-American lacrosse player, founder of the Iroquois National Lacrosse program, with his team. John Mohawk, Seneca; Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee; and Oren Lyons, Onondaga

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