Our Mission
The mission of SIP is to advocate for the psychological well-being of American Indians and other Indigenous peoples and to advance knowledge pertaining to Indigenous psychology.
Our Purpose
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Create a forum where SIP members can network and support each other.
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Provide outreach and mentorship to American Indian psychology students.
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Advance the understanding of the psychology of American Indian people.
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Further the development of research methods and models of treatment and intervention that are ethically and culturally appropriate for American Indian people.
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Contribute to the scientific understanding of features of ethnicity, culture, and class among American Indian people.
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Promote adequate education and training related to American Indian people.
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Facilitate a professional exchange concerning relevant policy, practice, and research related to American Indian people at the annual SIP convention and beyond.
Get to Know Us
What started as a conversation in the early 1970s between Drs. Carolyn Attneave and Joseph Trimble grew into a powerful movement to support culturally grounded psychology for Native communities. By 1978, the Society of Indian Psychologists (SIP) was born, and 45 years later, it continues to thrive.
SIP Medicine Wheel
Psychology Symbol
In Western psychology, the symbol for the discipline is the Greek letter "psi" (Ψ), representing the study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes.
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The Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel, also called the Sacred Hoop, has been a vital symbol of health and healing for generations across various Native American tribes. It represents the Four Directions—East, South, West, and North—along with Father Sky, Mother Earth, and the Spirit Tree, symbolizing different dimensions of health and the cycles of life. Each direction is often associated with distinct colors, such as black, red, yellow, and white, which some interpret as representing the diversity of humanity. While the meanings and practices surrounding the Medicine Wheel vary among tribes, its core message is universal: balance and harmony in life.
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The circle itself embodies the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, and highlights our unity with the natural world. It’s often seen as a symbol of self-awareness and the knowledge that empowers us to shape our own lives.
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The Pipe
The pipe is a sacred ceremonial tool deeply embedded in Native American spirituality. It is used in significant rituals to seek guidance, offer prayers, facilitate healing, and strengthen one’s connection to the Creator. Each use of the pipe is purposeful, marking moments of profound spiritual meaning.
Two Bald Eagle Tail Feathers
The bald eagle holds special reverence as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and a sacred connection to the Creator. Its tail feathers, in particular, carry deep spiritual significance, representing guidance, clarity of direction, and the power to navigate life’s journey with purpose and insight.