The First Grant

The foremost achievement that paved the way for an independent Indian Center facility came November 6, 1972. That was the day MAAIC heard that their application for a $25,000 planning grant had been approved by the regional agency of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO).

"That planning grant, to me, was of monumental importance. It meant we would have a place to meet, one where we could begin to provide limited services. From the dream to reality..." Hunter recalls.

On December 15, 1972, MAAIC moved into temporary quarters at 1650 E. Central. From 1969 to 1972 the MAAIC organization served mainly as a clearinghouse of Indian information, referring Native Americans to the proper governmental agencies, sponsoring church related benefits to raise funds, and planning a center that could provide more services.

With the opening of temporary quarters, MAAIC was able to first provide limited emergency food and clothing supplies to Native Americans in need. They held an Open House at the facility April 1, 1973.

Those initial operating funds also enabled MAAIC to begin preparing for the future in more detail. At first they considered several sites and architectural plans for an Indian Center. Bosin had prepared a plan that incorporated all their needs into one vast physical structure.

"That first grant meant so much, because now we were able to look into further grants. Everything seemed to flow together after that. I remember thinking we were millionaires. I don't think we even realized then what we had started," Mrs. Blum says.