Our Mission
The mission of American Indian Community House (AICH) is to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian Community and to increase the visibility of American Indian cultures in an urban setting in order to cultivate awareness, understanding and respect.
AICH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of Native Americans residing in New York City.
AICH was founded in 1969, by Native American volunteers as a community-based organization, mandated to improve the status of Native Americans, and to foster inter-cultural understanding.
AICH membership is currently composed of Native Americans from 72 different tribes. Native American migration between urban centers and reservations demonstrates the inter-relatedness of all Native Americans, and from this reality emerges the recognition that our issues and concerns are truly shared.
Board of Directors
Rick Chavolla – Kumeyaay
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Board Chair
Lance Richmond – Mohawk
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Vice Chair
James Cody Silas – Blackfeet/Salish/Lumbee
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Secretary
Frances Grumbly – Mohawk
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Treasurer
Renee Hunter – Shinnecock
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Cynthia Kent – Southern Ute
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Betty Lyons – Onondaga
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
George Stonefish – Delaware/Chippewa
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff
Melissa Oakes – Mohawk
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Executive Director
Sheldon Raymore – Cheyenne River Sioux
Pronouns: Him/Him/His/They
Deputy Director
Talon Ksa – Sicangu Lakota
Pronouns: Him/Him/His
Communications Coordinator
Johanne Brown – Chickasaw
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Referrals Coordinator