Student Clubs and Organizations
Campus clubs and organizations exist for a variety of reasons. Clubs allow students to develop a community of people with similar interests. Clubs often provide a door into the non-academic world through professional contacts with business and Tribal leaders. Clubs and organizations provide students a way for involvement in the larger community. Clubs and organizations add value to a student’s collegiate experience. Students may create a Campus Club with a group of students coming together with a collective mission that aligns with the college's mission. Campus Clubs and Organizations include, but are not limited to:
The Associated Students of Northwest Indian College (ASNWIC) - All full and part-time students on the main and extended campuses are automatically members of the Associated Students and are entitled to privileges and responsibilities of such membership. The ASNWIC annually elects an Executive board to represent the interests of students at all NWIC campuses. The Executive Board consists of student officers as President, Vice-President of finance, Vice-President of Clubs and Organizations, Vice-President of Activities, and Vice-President of Extended Campuses. The primary function of the Student Executive board is for student involvement in the college decision-making process and communication between college administration and students. In addition, the organization provides programs which meet the needs of students in the areas of education, culture, social activity and student welfare.
American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) - The AIBL chapter is part of a national organization designed to promote and support the American Indian business student and/or entrepreneur. The primary focus is to use its student foundation to assist Tribal economic growth and stability through an emphasis in maintaining culturally appropriate American Indian business development. The members will find peer support, leadership/mentoring opportunities, career guidance, and business net- working connections within this organization.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) - AISES is part of a national organization, which nurtures the building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Through educational programs, AISES provides opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue studies in science, engineering, and technology fields. AISES’ ultimate goal is to be a catalyst for the advancement of American Indians and Alaska Natives as they seek to become self-reliant and self-determined members of society.
NWIC Space Center - The NWIC Space Center consists of students interested in aerodynamics, mathematics, computer science, and robotics knowledge. The organization has competed in national rocket launch competitions and received numerous grants to propel them to new heights.
Achieving Scholarship Club - The Achieving Scholarship Club is an organization on Campus that provides peer to peer support on the scholarship process. Activities include the following: resume workshops, writing personal statement, and gathering letters of recommendations for scholarships.
Sla Hal Club - The Sla-hal Club is for students interested in continuing the traditional practice of Sla-hal, also known as bone game or stick game. Sla-hal was played by the ancestor’s Tribal Nations to settle disputes in a contest of skill. Sla-hal originally involved a set of sticks of wood or bone, and songs. Students at NWIC today explore this practice, and attend Sla-hal competitions that draw hundreds of people.
NWIC Mountaineers Club - The mission of the NWIC Mountaineers Club is to exercise, connect, and promote recreational activities. Club members enjoy walking, hiking, snow sports, and water sports as well. The NWIC Mountaineers club is open to all students, and we help students to discover and promote activities in their NWIC community school wide. Past club sponsored events included welcome week hike, snow day event, and Orange Shirt day collaboration.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) for Students - AIHEC’s mission is to support the work of Tribal Colleges and Universities and the national movement for Tribal self-determination. It has an important auxiliary organization called the AIHEC Student Congress. Traditionally, the Associated Student President serves as NWIC’s representative to the AIHEC Student Congress. Duties of this post consist of representing the NWIC Associated Students at AIHEC Student Congress meetings and acting as the voting delegate for the Student Congress elections each spring.
The AIHEC Student Conference is held each spring for hundreds of representatives from Tribal colleges that includes students, faculty, administrators, and community members. The location of the conference changes each year. At the conference a number of events and competitions for college teams and individuals take place. If any member of the Associated Students of NWIC would like to attend the AIHEC Spring Conference, please contact Student Services.
NWIC Clubs
NWIC students are encouraged to be involved in an existing club or organize a group of students to form a new club.
Clubs include:
- American Indian Business Leaders
- Craft Club
- Swinomish 13 Moons Gardening Club
- Sla Hal Club
- NWIC Journey Club
- LGBTQ2S+ Club
- Native Pride Music Club
- Nisqually Student Alliance
- NWIC Pow Wow Alliance
- The Strategy Club
- Students for the Salish Sea
- The Port Gamble Breakfast Club
- Writing Club
- NWIC Mountaineers Club
- Bookclub