Results from the activities of AIPC serve to alleviate this ignorance through improved knowledge about American Indians, knowledge which not only benefits Indian Nations but the wider community as well. Over the past year, the research projects undertaken by AIPC have contributed to this increased knowledge among the general public about American Indians. These projects also demonstrate AIPC's method of research, a method that is inclusive and reflective of American Indian world views. Reality-Based Research reflects the reality of American Indians and tells their stories, from an Indian point of view and from an Indian oral history standpoint. This reverence for oral history is particularly important because American Indian societies are based on oral tradition.
Oral tradition preserves history, language and culture for American Indian communities.
Using a method of research which respects and incorporates such basic tenets of a people's culture makes our research more meaningful to Indian communities. In the past, Indians had a high distrust for researchers. Translating social research into useful terms understood by American Indians has proven to be one of AIPC's greatest assets. This ability to communicate with Indian communities and their leaders adds a critical component toward capacity building and self empowerment of American Indian communities. A research institute for Indian people must address the true needs and concerns of American Indians.