In 1966, Humboldt State University (HSU) established the Center for Community Development (CCD) to provide services and outreach to American Indian communities in Indian Country on behalf of HSU. The name was changed to the Center for Indian Community Development (CICD) in 1991.

CICD is a center for collaboration. For 45 years, CICD has facilitated partnerships between American Indian community members, Tribes, Indian organizations, governmental agencies representatives and University departments such as fisheries, teacher education, social work, nursing, history and economics. CICD support enables HSU faculty and Tribal clients to embark on exciting projects for mutual benefit. Frequently, the goals and needs within Tribal communities are intertwined with State and federal agencies and services such as public school districts, NOAA, the department of Agriculture and Caltrans. Native and non-Native students have spearheaded CICD projects such as the Tribal Constitution booklet, Tribal archives, graphic arts and book publications. The many students served by CICD over the decades have gone on to leadership roles in education, law, public agencies and Tribal and State governments.

CICD continues to dedicate its staff, materials, and resources to support projects, programs, and goals as defined by each American Indian community.

CICD's primary services have included:

• American Indian languages and material development.

• Ethnographic and linguistic research and coordination for linguistic and ethnographic projects.

• Grant writing and grants administration.

• Development of materials and resources such as books, audio and video resources, language curricula, and Tribal archives.

• Representation of American Indian communities' interests in public forums and assisting in negotiations between the Tribal governments and federal, state, and local governmental agencies.

• Planning, coordination, and production of conferences, workshops, seminars, educational courses, and meetings.

• Technical assistance.

• Providing a conduit for Humboldt State University resources including faculty, services, and materials to Tribes, American Indian communities and organizations.

• Presentations and training including grantsmanship, curriculum development, Native American history, federal Indian law, linguistics, and cultural traditions.

• Research and development for general services such as needs assessments, distance learning opportunities, program development, and support for American Indian activities and projects.