The Salem Women's Indian Association was established on June 7, 1885 as an auxiliary of the Women's National Indian Association. The goals of both of these societies were to arouse popular sentiment to pressure the United States government into allowing Native Americans the protection of the law and freedom from oppression, and to contribute to both educational and missionary efforts among the Indians. Officers included representatives from each of Salem's churches. Annual membership cost one dollar, or ten dollars for life membership. Men were allowed to become members, but not to hold office. The association's first president was Mrs. Amos H. "Bessie" Johnson.

Among their efforts to sway public and political opinion, the association published and distributed pamphlets, lobbied Congress, and placed articles in the press to "promote the growth of right sentiment concerning our national duty to Indians." They also raised funds to support the state organization's efforts to send missionary teachers to the reservations and for legal aid by hosting large public lectures, especially on the annual Fast Day in April, to educate the public about the issues involved. Individual members hosted afternoon teas or "Reading Meetings" to raise funds. They also sent packages of clothing, fabric, medicine, and "Christmas cheer" to the reservation schools.

The associations had predicted that the "Indian problem" would be resolved by 1890. Declining membership and lack of resolution led to the dissolving of the Salem Women's Indian Association in November 1908.