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| The mission of the American Indians in
Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions is to work for the preservation
and protection of the culture and traditions of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan
Nation and other indigenous people of the Spanish colonial missions
in south Texas and northern Mexico through: education, research, community
outreach, economic development projects and legislative initiatives
at the federal, state and local levels. |
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Fulfilling Our Mission
AIT-SCM was formed in 1994 by members of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation to strengthen their Native American community and culture. The fledgling nonprofit quickly became a vehicle to provide a vast array of services and programs that address the needs of not only the Tap Pilam, but a diverse population of indigenous people - from Native American communities to Latino/Hispanic populations. AIT-SCM provides services based on traditional Native American teachings and has established a presence in San Antonio, Texas as an innovative leader and effective partner in providing essential cultural, social, economic and educational programs for the community. |
| In cultural preservation, AIT-SCM has led the local community in developing annual activities such as Semana de Recuerdo, a series of events honoring the Tap Pilam's ancestors. Another annual cultural event initiated in May 2004 is the Matachin Encuentro, celebrating "La Danza Matachin" which was performed at the missions by indigenous people. Also in 2004, AIT-SCM launched a 5-K Missions Heritage Run/Walk & Native American Festival commemorating the native runners who provided communication between the ancient missions. |
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Social issues related to youth are addressed through programs such
as the Rights of Passage dealing with character development, and
the Fatherhood Campaign, a multi-agency effort to address early
parenthood concerns. AIT-SCM works with the Compadres Network, P.A.T.C.H.
Program, Southwest Key Program, Inc., Avance-San Antonio, JOVEN
and other groups to maximize resources.
AIT-SCM is a nationally recognized leader in repatriation issues.
The organization has helped the Tap Pilam to file claims for the
return of ancestral remains, travel as far as Florida to receive
and re-inter excavated remains, and has participated in an historical
repatriation of remains at Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Antonio,
Texas.
As part of their work in environmental issues, AIT-SCM holds a permanent
director's seat on the Land Heritage Institute Foundation, as does
the Tap Pilam Nation. The mission of the Land Heritage Institute
Foundation is to acquire, maintain, preserve and develop the Medina
River Property as a public open space, consistent with the Land
Heritage Institute of the Americas Plan prepared by Texas A & M
University for the following charitable purposes: Archeological;
Cultural; Educational; Environmental; Historical; Recreational.
Language is the heart and soul of a community and Coahuilteco, spoken
by the Tap Pilam's ancestors is now extinct. Over several years,
the Tap Pilam have worked to revitalize their language by adding
songs and prayers to those that have been handed down through generations.
In 2003, efforts began to turn the language project into a formal
program and in 2004 AIT-SCM is helping the Tap Pilam to establish
the Coahuiltecan Language Program.
AIT-SCM hopes to continue working with indigenous populations to
achieve their goals of preserving and protecting their culture,
and providing programs founded on the sacred teaching and cultural
traditions of the people they serve.
Board of Directors
Linda Ximenes - President
Mickey Killian - Treasurer
Carlos Gonzales - Secretary
Miguel Acosta - Board Member
Helen Garcia - Board Member
Staff
Ramon Juan Vasquez - Executive Director
Rights of Passage Program
Isaac A. Cardenas - Program Manager
Diane Morales - Administrative Assistant
John Vacca - Staff
Fatherhood Campaign
Frank Castro - Program Manager
Vicente Escobedo - Referral Specialist
Michael Cardenas - Staff
Click HERE if you would like to volunteer for an AIT-SCM event.
Click HERE to contact us or to register
for workshops, seminars, classes & other activities.
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