Stanford American Indian Organization
The original mission of Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) when it was created in 1970 by four Native American Stanford students, included improving the recruitment and retention of American Indian and Alaska Native students, staff, and faculty; the institutionalizing of culturally relevant curriculum; the establishment of a community center and theme house; and the permanent removal of the Stanford “Indian” mascot. SAIO is the umbrella organization of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians at Stanford that addresses the social, political, educational, and cultural issues of the community. The Stanford American Indian Organization is responsible for organizing the annual Mother’s Day weekend Stanford Powwow.