aicrc history

Home Page

American Indian Culture Research Center History (AICRC)

The American Indian Culture Research Center (AICRC) possesses special and unique qualifications to perform this project. Blue Cloud Abbey is a community of 29 Benedictine Monks. The monastery was founded in 1950 by St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. AICRC, established in 1968, is built on a foundation of a profoundly respectful, relationship between Native Americans and Benedictine Monks dating back to the late 1870s. Where invited, Benedictine Monks opened missions and schools across the Great Plains. Four Native American Tribal Colleges flourish today having grown out of these early endeavors.

The current Director of AICRC and the founder is Reverend Stanislaus Maudlin. “Wambdi Wicasa" (Eagle Man) as he is called by native people, established the Center in 1968 for two purposes: to support Native Americans in achieving greater empowerment in the management of their respective reservations; and "... to teach the public to respect the culture, the Philosophy of Life, the Spirituality of Native People..."

For almost 40 years, AICRC has pursued these goals with humble diligence cultivating trusted relationships with Native American peoples, other Great Plains monastic organizations, local communities, educational institutions, and the federal government. Reverend Maudlin brings a lifetime of understanding and appreciation of the Native American heritage to lead this project.

Reverend Maudlin is supported by Blue Cloud Abbey monastic, administrative staff and Native American student interns from the nearby Sisseton Wahpeton (Dakota Sioux) Tribe. In performing this noble work, Native American youth (interns) will learn firsthand about their culture and history. This will inspire knowledge and pride in their heritage to convey knowledge and educate future generations of native and non-native Americans

The project brings together many people in the region. In a sense, it is a community project. Many native and non-native people alike will be engaged as interviews and research are conducted to validate the cultural significance of the photography.