美洲印第安學會和傳統印第安長者與年青人的循環圈被稱為兩個循環圈。依據古代美洲原住民的了解，這兩個循環圈是平等而獨立的，為實現他們共同的目的，以相互尊重和責任的方式去使用常識與行為。美洲印第安學會的使命是延續北美原住民的古老智慧和文化遺產，以及促進全人類對古老智慧所做的新解。傳統印第安長者與年青人的循環圈是個對所有印第安人開放的精神上的循環圈，它構成了持續古代印第安民族中最受尊敬的領袖們的聯合會議的作法，目的是讓印第安民族的傳統價值和世界觀得以基礎重建，並確保原住民智慧的連續性，同時把該智慧帶給地球上全人類以承擔他們所需面對的重要問題上。

The American Indian Institute and the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth were called the two circles. Based on ancient Native American understandings, the two Circles were described as equal yet separate, fulfilling their common purpose by using common sense and behaving with mutual respect, and responsibility. The mission of the American Indian Institute is to perpetuate the ancient wisdom and cultural heritage of North America’s Native people, and to promote among all people an understanding of the contemporary contexts of that wisdom. The Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth is a spiritual circle open to all Indian people. It constitutes the continuation of an ancient practice of joint council among the most respected leaders of Indian nations. Its purpose is to nurture a grassroots renewal of traditional values and worldviews among Indian peoples, to ensure the continuity of Native wisdom, and to bring that wisdom to bear on important issues facing all peoples of the earth.