Nation to Nation
A nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of American Indian people and the community through culture and education.
In May of 2013, American Indian Resource Center Inc. of Marathon County officially took occupancy of its new building located on the corner of Thomas St. and 4th Avenue at 1102 S. 4th Avenue. Moving into the new building marks the beginning of the AIRC Capitol Campaign to purchase the building. This process will involve developing and implementing a strategic plan for the center and we want input from Wausau’s Native community in regards to AIRC’s future. We need volunteers to assist with our grand opening, serve on committees and attend board meetings, to give input and share ideas about AIRC’s future. The building is a historic structure known as the Underwood Chapel. This building has been important to the neighborhood for the last 100 years and was originally built for use as a school. Our goal is to develop a plan for the American Indian Resource Center to purchase the building, as well as involving the Native Community of Central Wisconsin in deciding the future of AIRC. Please get involved, this is your building, and we are here to serve you and your ideas. If you would like more information please call……………or stop by.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the American Indian Resource Center is to support American Indian people seeking to strengthen their values and ties to their cultures through health services, elder programs, education and youth advocacy, cultural awareness and career services.
History of Center
In November of 2010, a group of friends convened to addresses issues facing their Native American children in the school district as well as Native people in the area. The group consisted of Dylan Prescott, Kelly Knudsen, Naomi Peters and Joey Daniels. The group realized that American Indians living in urban areas are under served in Marathon County. They began the planning stages to open a nonprofit to address these issues and by March 2011, the American Indian Resource Center of Marathon County opened it's doors and has been open daily ever since.
The Forest County Potawatomi has been the major donor for the Center, donating office equipment and furniture, computers, and a 13 passenger van. Within the first few months of operations, the A.I.R.C. implemented afterschool programs, drumming classes, Potawatomi Language classes, women’s wellness groups, sewing circles, a Youth Council, and a powwow trip. Over the past year, the A.I.R.C. has continually worked to develop these programs as well as to build a Native community within central Wisconsin. Other than 3 after school tutors, the Center is operated completely through volunteers. See our contact page for information about the A.I.R.C. Board of Directors and the volunteers.