The American Indian
Ambassadors Program
A Message from LaDonna Harris Now is the time for Native Americans to define ourselves within the context of our own cultures, what kind of leaders we need for the 21st century. Webster’s dictionary defines a “leader” as one in charge or command of others. Americans for Indian Opportunity and our Program Advisors believe that leadership is a shared responsibility and effective Indian leaders often act more like diplomats than commanders. For that reason, we call participants in our Indigenous leadership program, “Ambassadors.” In traditional Comanche culture, we believe that each individual has their own special inner strength or “medicine.” The tribe needs different kinds of leaders for different types of societal responsibilities. The Ambassadors will identify for themselves the different types of leadership qualities and skills which are needed by our societies and will focus on how best to use those qualities and skills to serve our people, enhance our work, and inspire humanity. Native peoples understand that relationships define our roles and shape our responsibilities to our communities. Tribal people realize that these relationships and responsibilities are reciprocal in nature. An understanding of our own identity and our place among our own peoples creates pathways for us to strengthen ourselves, give back to our communities and broaden our horizons, giving us our role in the greater scheme of things and allowing us to be a member of our tribe, wherever we are. This shared experience, as American Indian Ambassadors, will enrich our sense of connectedness to each other and to our tribes, and will help us find our place in the Universe.
LaDonna Harris
President and Founder
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Transferring Wisdom
200 Ambassador Alumni in 38 States
AIO’s highly acclaimed Ambassadors Program is an Indigenous values-based, community capacity-building,
leadership development initiative launched in 1993. The Program helps early to mid-career Native American professionals strengthen, within an Indigenous cultural context, their ability to improve the well-being and growth of their communities. During the course of the program, Ambassadors meet and work with leading Native decision-makers and national policymakers, explore family and tribal histories, develop and implement a community-based project, explore personal “medicine� or inner strength, and strengthen communications skills. They attend gatherings in communities across the nation and visit at least one Indigenous community outside the United States. The Ambassadors Program is the only leadership initiative in the United States encouraging participants to weave their respective traditional tribal values into a contemporary reality. The Program provides a creative combination of mentorship, personal reflection, dialogue with national and international decision-makers, community involvement, communications training, and a discovery process into tribal values. Two hundred Ambassadors Program participants have completed this unique Indigenous, values-based leadership initiative, along with the sixteen Ambassadors in the current cohort. The Ambassadors network is made up of talented young Indigenous executives, healthcare professionals, artists, educators, policy makers and more. The Ambassador Alumni Alliance formed in 2003 to be a network of networks. The Alliance is equally men and women, reservation-based and urban Indians, and Federally and non-Federally recognized tribes. Together, they represent over one hundred tribes across thirty-eight states. A complete list of Ambassador Alumni, with geographical location, employment and interest areas can be found at www.aio.org.
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Promoting Values-Based Leadership Ms. Marion Ano (Native Hawaiian) Assistant Marine Coordinator THE NATURE CONSERVANCY Honolulu, Hawaii ano@hawaii.edu ‘Ike: Indigenous Knowledge Equality A research project that uses Indigenous solutions and wisdom along with modern technologies to demonstrate the intersection of biological, cultural and social dimensions into natural resource management in order to build more resilient Native communities that are informed and prepared to address coastal hazards, climate change, food sustainability, human and enviromental health, socioeconomic development, and the protection of native Hawaiian cultural practices and ways of life. Mr. Ben Calabaza (Kewa Pueblo) Vice President of Creative & Marketng IROOTS MEDIA, LLC Santa Fe, New Mexico bc@irootsmedia.com Deciphering Native American Dropout Rates in New Mexico A research project focused on three Pueblo communities in New Mexico that will define the causes for high school dropout rates through qualitative research and exposure to experimental programming. Mr. Chase Choate (Quechan) Environmental Director QUECHAN INDIAN TRIBE Yuma, Arizona c.choate@quechantribe.com Kwatsan Wildlife Club Through Quechan culture and language, the Wildlife Club will involve youth in the natural environment, provide knowledge and life skills in the field of biology, prepare students for college and introduce youth to professional careers in environmental science. Mr. Anpao Duta Flying Earth (Lakota/Ojibwe/Akimel O’odham) Outreach & Community Coordinator / Teacher NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY ACADEMY Albuquerque, New Mexico anpaoduta@yahoo.com Lakota Diaspora Outreach & Enrichment A series of forum discussions with an emphasis on Indigenous language and culture that supports students and community members in the exploration of ideas and issues around identity and culutral preservation to increase cooperation and support among traditional land-based and urban/suburban tribal communities.
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Promoting Values-Based Leadership Ms. Kelly Gilbreth (White Earth Ojibwe) School Counselor NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY ACADEMY Albuquerque, New Mexico gilbreth@nacaschool.org Indigenous Youth Shelter/Sancutary An Albuquerque youth shelter/sanctuary with a therapeutic component will provide a safe environment, community and home. The shelter/sanctuary will be vital, facilitating cultural healing of trauma and sexual abuse in order to learn and establish healthy boundaries and healthy relationships. The shelter/sanctuary will utilize Indigenous community building and support by establishing and fostering enriching experiences for youth with elders and Native leaders to build understanding, perspective and partnership. Mr. Benjamin Grignon (Menominee) Librarian MENOMINEE INDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Keshena, Wisconsin waqnahwew@gmail.com Mawaw Ceseniyah Language and Culture Center A project that will further develop the Mawaw Ceseniyah Center by building nonprofit and organizational capabilities, identify financial and other resources, improve media and communications technology facilities and connect with similar programs in the country. Ms. Hopa Haas (Oglala Sioux) Environmental Engineer INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE Pine Ridge, South Dakota hopa_haas@hotmail.com Fine Arts for Youth An afterschool youth project that will provide a safe place for Oglala youth to develop and enhance their talents in the peforming arts, like speech, drama, and music, eventually establishing a community playhouse and/or band. Ms. Salena Hill (Crow) Academic Advisor / Program Liaison UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES Missoula, Montana salena.hill@umontana.edu Mentoring Emerging Leaders A project aimed at expanding the educational experiences of Native American studies majors at the University of Montana by providing service learning and internship opportunites so that graduates are better equiped to work with tribal communities.
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Promoting Values-Based Leadership Mr. Derek Johnson (Saginaw Chippewa Tribe) Coordinator of Curriculum Development WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, ATHLETICS Pullman, Washington derek.n.johnson@wsu.edu Improving the Educational Access and Success of Native Athletes A program to train Native American educators, community leaders and parents about the types of support programs and resources available to young Native athletes in order to improve their opportunities to enter and succeed in college athletics. Ms. Elizabeth Medicine Crow (Tlingit / Haida) Vice President, Alaska Native Policy Center FIRST ALASKANS INSTITUTE Anchorage, Alaska lizmedicinecrow@firstalaskans.org Visioning Process Guide A strategic planning process to create a holistic plan and guide for the Alaska Native Policy Center at First Alaskans Institite to utilize its position as a change agent in order to engage the Native community in developing an Alaska Native community vision and action plan. Mr. Vernon Miller (Omaha) Business Teacher OMAHA NATION PUBLIC SCHOOL Macy, Nebraska vmiller@esu1.org National Youth Empowerment Summit A national summit for Native American youth will provide an opportunity to learn more about positive life choices. The conference will include speakers, leadership seminars, self esteem building activities and team building events in an effort to address the dangerous trends effecting Native youth, like teen pregnancy, suicide and substance abuse. Ms. Rebecca Naragon (Poarch Band of Creek Indians) Program Specialist DEPT. OF INTERIOR, INDIAN ENERGY / ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT Washington, DC Rebecca.Naragon@gmail.com Evaluating the Implementation of Economic Policy in Indian Country A research project on past economic development legislation that will examine possible policy implementations to assist economic development in Indian Country with the intent to host a federal agency economic forum for discussing how to increase economic development in Native American communities.
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Promoting Values-Based Leadership Ms. Brittany Simmons (Waccamaw Siouan) English Teacher PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF ROBESON COUNTY Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina besimmons05@yahoo.com Waccamaw Silverfish Enterprises/Waccamaw Siouan Youth Ambassadors Program A youth project that coordinates the efforts of five youth programs that incorporate the Americans for Indian Opportunity Ambassadors leadership development model which will create cultural awareness, inspire young leaders, maintain youth alliances, standarize Waccamaw Siouan curriculum and educate youth leaders on Indigenous issues. Ms. Jacquetta Swift (Comanche / Ft. Sill Apache) Repatriation Manager NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN Waldorf, Maryland swiftj@si.edu International Repatriation Symposium A symposium to promote the “culture” of repatriation amongst the international museum community. Gauging international opinion regarding the return of Indigenous peoples’ human remains and funerary objects, the symposium will promote the growing trend internationally of recognizing and promoting the cultural and intellectual property rights of Indigenous peoples. Ms. Christina Thomas (Northern Paiute / Western Shoshone / Hopi) Paiute Language / Cultural Instructor REED HIGH SCHOOL / RENO-SPARKS INDIAN COLONY Wadsworth, Nevada nativesongbird@clearwire.net Sovereign Doctors Initiative In partnership with the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Clinic and Los Medicos Valadores (The Flying Doctors), Sovereign Doctors will strive to improve the quality of healthcare for Natives in Northern Nevada by increasing the number of doctors through volunteerism. Mr. Clay Ward (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) Human Resource Specialist INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE Rockville, Maryland Clay.Ward@IHS.GOV American Indian and Alaskan Native Recruitment & Retention Initiative Through a series of educational forums, workshops and training models, the Recruitment and Retention Initiative seeks to lower the vacancy rates for health professionals in the Indian Health Service (IHS), increase the number of American Indian and Alaskan Native health professionals in the workforce, and provide cultural competence to non-Indian health professionals.
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Catalyzing Innovation
Americans for Indian Opportunity advances, from an Indigenous worldview, the cultural, political and economic rights of Indigenous peoples in the United States and around the world. Founded by LaDonna Harris (Comanche) and a cohort of her fellow Native American activists in 1970, AIO draws upon traditional Indigenous philosophies to foster value-based leadership, inspire stakeholder-driven solutions, and convene visionary leaders to probe contemporary issues and address the challenges of the new century. Governed by a Board of international Indigenous leaders, AIO also seeks to create innovative international Indigenous interactions that contribute Indigenous worldviews to the global discussion. AIO is a national nonprofit organization, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to the award-winning Ambassadors Program, AIO projects and initiatives include: Convening leaders and Inspiring community-driven solutions with the Indigenous Leaders Interactive System (ILIS), a proprietary process that addresses the underlying causes of issues affecting Native communities. Before European contact, Native American tribes employed democratic processes, social structures and protocols that were highly effective in consensus oriented decision-making. In an effort to recapture those traditions within a contemporary context, AIO developed ILIS, which protects the authenticity of participants’ contributions and leverages the group’s collective wisdom to focus energy and resources on an issue’s root cause. Sharing insight into modern tribal governance and contemporary Native peoples through Indian 101 cultural competency training. AIO brings together diverse groups to discuss a wide variety of issues affecting Indigenous peoples, and presents educational material on modern American Indian history and the unique political status of tribal governments in the U.S. federal system. AIO tailors Indian 101 presentations based on clients’ goals, which may include educating staff or students, targeting recruitment efforts for Native employees, or gaining a deeper understanding of an organization’s clientele. Weaving an international network of Indigenous leaders and activists who envision a world that recognizes and celebrates the contributions and continuation of Indigenous values. AIO, and its sister organization in New Zealand, Advancement of Maori Opportunity, seek to foster transnational Indigenous interactions that are liberating, nurture the self-determination capabilities of Indigenous communities, promote Indigenous leadership, and contribute Indigeneity (Indigenous values, philosophies and worldviews) to global society. AIO also acts as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information and referrals through a database containing more than 6,000 records on tribes, organizations, agencies, and individuals focused on Indigenous issues. 8
Core Cultural Values
The American Indian Ambassadors Program is organized around four basic core cultural values: Relationships: In the most profound sense, we are all related. Humans are not only related to each other but to all things. We are “the very stuff of stars,� meaning we have a kinship with rocks, plants and the Earth. Responsibility: We have a duty to care for our relatives. Each human is accountable for the well-being of their kin. If we call the earth our mother, then we have an obligation to take care of our mother. We must respect and be responsible for our impact on the natural and social environments. Reciprocity: Our relationships and responsibilities shape our roles in life and are reciprocal as is the nature of the Universe. Articulation and an understanding that all things are connected and cyclical are fundamental in knowing how we fit into the Universe. Redistribution: Our reciprocal relationships and responsibilities guide us to share our resources. The collective and communal traditions of our ancestors teach us that wealth must be shared for the greater good of the whole. In contemporary society that includes the sharing of information, knowledge and other resources for the good of the whole.
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For over 40 years AIO has created new pathways to social justice, cultivating and convening leaders to strengthen Indigenous communities. With your help we can continue to build momentum to advance tribal values and the Indigenous worldviews. Your gift to AIO will help promote a new generation of strong and visionary leaders inspired by and grounded in their traditional cultural identities. In these times of economic crisis, climate change and social upheaval we need vision. Now more than ever we need leaders with strong values to guide us. Your support will help to develop, strengthen, and engage a new generation of Ambassadors. By donating to AIO now you can make an immediate impact on our award winning nonprofit organization’s enduring legacy to protect the human rights of indigenous peoples.
Visit www.aio.org to make your gift count today!
AIO Board of Directors
Photo: AIO Board of Directors with Taos Pueblo Leadership
LaDonna Harris, Comanche
Charles Lohah, Osage
Eddie Tullis, Poarch Creek
Puka Moeau, Maori
Elma Patterson, Tuscarora
Grace McCullah-Ryan, Navajo
Gilbert H. Thompson, Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Jerry Muskrat, Cherokee
Edgar A. Bowen, Coos
Bentham Ohia, Maori
Mary Jo Butterfield, Makah
Teresa Peterson, Dakota Upper Sioux Community
Michael Chapman, Menominee
Ivan Posey, Eastern Shoshone
Kate Cherrington, Maori
Faith Roessel, Navajo
Amanda Cobb, Chickasaw Nation
Joe Sando, Jemez Pueblo
Alexander Christakis, Cretan
LeeAnn Sperling, Maori
Andrew Ebona, Tlingit
Terry Tanner, Salish/Kootenai Nation
Minerva Jenkins, Mojave
James Washinawatok, Menominee/Akwesasne Mohawk
Louie LaRose, Winnebago/Ute
Judy Winchester, Pokagon Band Potawatomi
A. David Lester, Creek
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40 Years of Vision Fostering Indigenous Values-Based Leadership AIO's major initiative, the American Indian Ambassadors Program, began in 1993 when the AIO board preempted the need to pass on their experience and "medicine" (or personal strength) to the next generation of Native leaders. The Program, now in its eleventh class, includes an international network of two hundred Native leaders. For more information, contact us at: 1001 Marquette Avenue NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 P: 505-842-8677 F: 505-842-8658 E: aio@aio.org www.aio.org
CFC# 2265