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KIVA HISTORYKIVA Club was established in 1952, by about 25 Native American students who were enrolled at UNM at that time. The founding goals and purpose of KIVA Club was to represent the views and concerns of the Indian student population to the University of New Mexico and Indian tribes. KIVA Club was also responsible for coordinating and renders student support services needed by students while they are attending UNM. KIVA Club’s major trademark is the “Nizhoni Days.” Nizhoni Days was first conducted in 1955. Nizhoni days is a week of celebration and sharing of American Indian culture with UNM students, staff, faculty, and the general public. During this week KIVA Club shares American Indian culture through pageants, art work presentations, film festivals, Pow-wow’s, discussions, food sales, and other social events. Plenty has changed since KIVA Club first became an organization. KIVA Club has many accomplishments and contributions to UNM and the public.
18 years later, KIVA Club, after KIVA Club was formed, they proposed for an establishment of a center for Native Americans. Thus came, the Native American Studies Center, which was established in 1970. Also known as, NAS, the department serves as an academic center, which is open to native and non-native students, other university patrons, and tribal members. KIVA Club has also had their slumps. KIVA Club cease to exist after 1997. After 5 years in non-existence, KIVA Club was then re-charted in 2002. Since this event KIVA Club continues to survive, growing strong, accepting new members and teaching more people about Native Americans issues. OFFICERS |
