Indigenous Institute of the Americas

About Us

For over four decades, the Indigenous Institute of the Americas has been a beacon of cultural preservation, education, and celebration, founded by Gregory Gomez, MSSW (Lipan and Mescalero Apache, Vietnam Marine Corps Veteran, Pipe Carrier and Sun Dancer), Dr. Cathy GutierrezGomez (Huastec/Téenek, retired professor UNM), and Eddie Sandoval (Chiricahua Apache, retired professor and counselor at TCC). Our founders' vision continues to inspire thousands.

What began as a dream to bring mobile museums of Native culture into classrooms has blossomed into a thriving movement—powered by technology, guided by tradition, and fueled by a passion to share Indigenous knowledge about our peoples, from the North Pole to the South Pole. Our approach is hands-on, immersive, and rooted in ancient teaching practices: storytelling, touch, smell, and direct experience, all designed to spark the curiosity of every child we meet. Our all-volunteer organization provides over 1,000 hours of cultural education and consultation services to the Texas community and surrounding states each year.

We stand apart by welcoming and honoring Native voices from across the Americas—not just within the United States—building bridges and fostering understanding that transcends borders. Every action we take reflects our respect for the Earth: we recycle, repurpose, and reuse, ensuring that nothing is wasted. We welcome sponsorship for our annual IIAC event. We welcome requests for educational presentation year-round and adhere to guidelines set by Texas State Board of Education for children in public schools.