The Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 1979 by Rudolph C. Ryser, PhD (Oneida/Cree) and Chief George Manuel (Secwepemc). CWIS is a global community of Indigenous Studies activists and scholars who are committed to protecting and advancing the rights and knowledge of the world's 6000 indigenous nations. The organization is actively involved in the management of the Chief George Manual Memorial Indigenous Library – among the largest indigenous document repositories in the world; the development and implementation of indigenous-centric public policy, consultation and conflict resolution between Indigenous peoples and states governments, education in the areas of Indigenous studies and traditional medicine, and the publishing of the peer-reviewed, Fourth World Journal. CWIS has drafted 27 laws and regulations, archived more than 100,000 indigenous documents, educated more than 3500 students and provided pro-bono medical care to more than 7000 individuals via the Center for Traditional Medicine.[1] The Executive director and Board Chair is Rudolph Ryser. The Center for Traditional Medicine is directed by Dr. Leslie E. Korn. A core staff of nine support center activities and numerous affiliated scholars are found on every continent.[2]