In the 1950s, the U.S. government forced many Native Americans to leave their reservations and move to cities. The government said this was to help Native Americans assimilate into American culture, but many Native Americans were unhappy and struggled to adjust to life in the cities. They often faced discrimination, poverty, and lack of opportunity.
In 1958, a group of Native American women in Seattle started the American Indian Women's Service League (AIWSL). The AIWSL provided services to Native Americans in Seattle, such as help finding housing, jobs, and education. The AIWSL eventually became the Seattle Indian Center, which continues to provide services to Native Americans in Seattle today.
The forced relocation of Native Americans in the 1950s was a traumatic event that had a lasting impact on Native American communities. The Seattle Indian Center is an example of how Native Americans have come together to help each other overcome the challenges they face.
The opening of the small, storefront office of AIWSL in Seattle’s Belltown district was the beginning of what would officially become the Seattle Indian Center in 1972
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In 1958, a group of Native American women in Seattle started the American Indian Women's Service League (AIWSL). The AIWSL provided services to Native Americans in Seattle, such as help finding housing, jobs, and education. The AIWSL eventually became the Seattle Indian Center, which continues to provide services to Native Americans in Seattle today.
The forced relocation of Native Americans in the 1950s was a traumatic event that had a lasting impact on Native American communities. The Seattle Indian Center is an example of how Native Americans have come together to help each other overcome the challenges they face.
The opening of the small, storefront office of AIWSL in Seattle’s Belltown district was the beginning of what would officially become the Seattle Indian Center in 1972
American Indian Centers : Seattle American Indian Center
USGS Region : Northwest