The American Indian Movement has sponsored many actions, some controversial, but all intended to restore dignity for Native Americans and to change policy in government and local communities.
These policy changes are all aimed to better serve native populations.
AIM was founded to return Indian peoples attention back toward spirituality, so they could cope with the western world and stay strong.
AIM has been successful in their mission, having laws changed, bringing ceremonies and powwows to communities, opening schools and getting land returned to the first inhabitants.
AIM's fundamental belief is that no one will care for the future generation but ourselves.
It is with that idea that AIM-WEST was formed.
AIM-West is a branch of AIM that is blossoming around San Francisco.
AIM-WEST is an important resource for Indigenous peoples in the Bay Area.
Some of the accomplishments of AIM-WEST since it's creation in 2006:

• Organized a cultural event at SomArts in San Francisco highlighting the history and accomplishments of the American Indian Movement;
• Engaged in actions protecting sacred sites, and calling attention to mining and water contamination on sacred land:
• Protested for political prisoners, and against police brutality, immigration and militarization on the borders:
• Spoke at San Francisco State University about climate change, and green economy conversion for sustainable futures:
• Educated people of the recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• Brought renowned national speakers and leaders from Indigenous communities to the Bay Area to meet with local communities and talk with Indian youth;
• Organized the 40th Anniversary of the American Indian Movement with educational sessions, solidarity with international Indigenous leaders, cultural programs and social networking;
• Brought public attention to a racist exhibit in the Golden Gate Park Recreation Area and worked with local and national officials to implement new procedures to avoid future problems;
• Hosted the KPFA broadcast of the annual gathering at Alcatraz to highlight local, national and international issues and participated in monthly radio shows;
• Initiated a "fish" giveaway program in Oakland and Vallejo.
  

AIM-WEST is reminding Indian People that the spiritual connection to the Earth and all the beings that inhabit her is sacred, and we have to respect the spirit in all things in order to help future generations.
AIM-West is also demonstrating to native people that in order to make a difference, we have to take action and look out for ourselves.