The Resource Center Collection

• Subjects covered include all standard library subject areas and also subject areas specific to American Indian experience such as: federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, Native Voices, American Indian genealogy, American Indians in Film, Urban Indians, Women’s Studies, Adoption & Identity, tribal studies (individual tribes) and geographic area studies (e.g. California Tribes), to name a few. Non-fiction books, DVDs, VHS, are organized by specific subject area.
• AIRC has complete microfilm sets of the following U.S. government originated materials:
  • Records of the Indian Claims Commission, 1946-1977; portions available online
  • Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940;
  • Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, California Superintendency, 1849-1880 (also on DVD);
  • Documents Relating to the Negotiation of Ratified and Unratified Treaties, California, 1850-1869;
  • California Indian Census of 1928 (on CD);
  • Bureau of American Ethnology Annual Reports, 1879-1931;
  • Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletins, 1887-1971;
• Other microfilm collections include other government documents, anthropological works, theses, dissertations, and microfilmed copies of books dating from the 15th century.
• Other government publications include copies of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 25) "Indians", treaties, tribal codes and bylaws, census rolls and legislative documents for the Five Civilized Tribes, and other historical records.
• Other AIRC sections include:
  • Directories of the Bureau of Indian Affairs offices and tribal government offices throughout the United States and Alaska.
  • Music - audiocassette, CD, DVD
  • Films - DVD, VHS, 8,16 & 35mm
  • Newspapers - Tribal and American Indian that include historic and contemporary content - artistic, educational, health related, legal, and cultural.
  • Community Resources

local digital history

• Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, California Superintendency, 1849-1880

Archival Collections

• Search all of the Archives
• American Indian Movement and Native American Radicalism
• War Department and Indian Affairs, 1800-1824

Recommended Websites

• American Indian Community Council: The mission of the AICC is to strengthen the overall wellness of the LA American Indian children, families, and community through leadership development, community organizing, self determination, and cultural values. Formerly known as the Los Angeles American Indian Children’s Council, since its inception, the AICC has served as a central hub and resource for the Los Angeles American Indian/Alaska Native Community.
• American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL): AICL provides critical perspectives and analysis of indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books, the school curriculum, popular culture, and society.
• American Indians in Los Angeles: The following publications were produced by the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies. The following titles are available under the PUBLICATIONS link:
  • Socioeconomic Characteristics of American Indians in Los Angeles County
  • Socioeconomic Status of American Indian Adults in Los Angeles
  • American Indian Adults in Los Angeles, California and the U.S.
  • American Indian Children in Los Angeles, California and the U.S.
  • The Status of American Indian Children in Los Angeles
• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) - U.S. Department of the Interior: The BIA is the primary federal government department with administrative over-sight over all American Indian reservations and all aspects of American Indian life that fall under federal supervision - from conservation to Indian gaming, and so on.
• California Indian History Overview: Written by Professor Edward D. Castillo, Cahuilla-Luiseno, for the California Native American Heritage Commission.
• California Indian Legal Services (CILS): The first Indian-controlled law firm organized to provide specialized legal representation to Indians and Indian tribes. CILS provides free or low-cost representation on those matters that fall within the priorities set by its board of trustees. CILS has been one of the preeminent advocates for the rights of Native Americans and Indian tribes for over thirty years.
• Committee on Indian Affairs - United States Senate: Includes links, senate hearings, legislation, information on current issues as well as information about the committee.
• Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet: A comprehensive website that includes many aspects of conducting genealogical research on American Indian ancestry.
• How Do I Trace Indian Ancestry? - U.S. Department of the Interior: Gives an overview of the processes for anyone who wishes to establish American Indian ancestry in a federally recognized tribe. The website helps pinpoint the types of records the BIA does and does not have; how to begin your search; and what sources of information both of a personal nature and those in public records which may be useful. Also listed are researchers who conduct genealogical research for a fee.
• Index of Native American Resources on the Web: This site indexes links to American Indian Resources on the Internet from archaeology to electronic texts. The genealogy information is excellent.
• Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties: A historically significant, seven volume compilation of U.S. treaties, laws and executive orders pertaining to all federally recognized American Indian tribes.
• Indian Health Services (IHS) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Describes IHS services, programs, jobs, reports/publications and area offices/facilities.
• Los Angeles Almanac: General information and links to the history of the Indigenous peoples of Los Angeles.
• National Congress of American Indians (NCAI): The oldest and largest national American Indian organization. Among its goals is to protect the rights of American Indian Nations and Governments. Lists current NCAI issues, meetings, documents, links to events throughout the United States.
• National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA): The most comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare and works on behalf of Indian children and families. NICWA provides public policy research and advocacy; information and training relating to Indian child welfare; community development services, state child welfare agencies, and other organizations, agencies, and professionals interested in the field of Indian child welfare.
• Native American Ancestry and American Indian Genealogy - AAG International Research: This section of AAG specializes in Native American family research, ancestry, genealogy free and for fee services.
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF): The nation’s largest non-profit organization that provides legal representation and technical assistance to Indian tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide.
• NativeWeb: Resources for Indigenous Cultures: This website is dedicated to information by and about indigenous cultures around the world. There is an index page and an up to date resource directory.
• Oyate: A Native organization working to see that American Indian lives and histories are portrayed accurately. The site includes evaluation of texts, resource materials and fiction by and about Native peoples; conducting of teacher workshops, in which participants learn to evaluate children's material for anti-Indian biases; administration of a small resource center and library; and distribution of children's, young adult, and teacher books and materials, with emphasis on writing and illustration by Native people.
• Southern California Indian Center (SCIC): SCIC’s goals are to promote social and economic self-sufficiency for American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian people. And, to educate and broaden the knowledge of the American public on Indian issues and culture, regarding its unique positive contribution to American society.
• Torres Martinez Tribal TANF: Torres Martinez Tribal TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a social services organization that provides assistance to Native American families with children. Their programs offer educational incentives and work opportunities, supported by temporary financial assistance, leading to self sufficiency. Special focus is put on traditional values and cultural awareness as we serve the Native community with a determination to support, educate and guide our clients along the path to self sufficiency.
• Tribal Court Clearinghouse: A Project of the Tribal Law and Policy Institute: Tribal laws, codes, and related resources.
• United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII): UAII provides services to the Los Angeles American Indian Community. The UAI mission is: To provide quality educational programs, primary health, mental health, housing, economic development and social services to American Indians residing in Los Angeles County in a manner that is sensitive and respectful to cultural, tribal and spiritual values.

American Indian Resource Center Booklists

• Native American Authors
• American Indians and Religion

If you have a research question, or a comment please contact the center via one of the options below.

In Person or by Phone

Huntington Park Library
6518 Miles Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 583-2794

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