SIM was founded by Raymond Montour, who felt a call from God to establish mission churches and raise up Native workers. He started his ministry in South Dakota, where he conducted services in his home, held tent meetings, and visited community homes. He also began the Dakota Christian Hour broadcast, which was on air until 1993.

In the 1960s, Rev Montour moved to New Mexico, where he initiated a work among the Pueblo and Navajo tribes. He also negotiated for land in the Rincon Marquez community, where there still is a chapel today. Meanwhile, other SIM workers continued to minister in South Dakota, opening works in Rosebud, Mission, and Parmelee. In the 1970s, SIM expanded its ministry to Canada, where it reached out to the Stoney, Cree, Chippewa, Athabaskan, Saulteaux, and Metis tribes. SIM also established a Bible school in Alberta to train Native leaders for ministry.

In the following decades, SIM continued to grow and develop its ministry across North America. SIM has been involved in various projects such as building churches, schools, and homes; providing food, clothing, and medical care; organizing camps, retreats, and conferences; supporting Native pastors and missionaries; and partnering with other organizations and churches.