The Tucson area has long been the traditional site for Indian settlements. From the Archaic and Hohokam Indians, to the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui, the waters of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding fertile land attracted desert dwelling tribes. Shortly after World War II, local Indians felt there was a need for an organization of their own to provide services for health, housing, education, counseling, and recreation. To pursue this goal a Native American Club was organized in 1957. In 1963, the Club became incorporated as the American Indian Association, doing business as the Tucson Indian Center.