Notebook NativeVoiceNetwork.org
This summer, AIO, the Tucson Indian Center and the National Urban Indian Families Coalition, hosted the first Native Voice Network (NVN) Convening in Albuquerque. The NVN is a national alliance of organizations interested in collaborative advocacy on issues impacting Native American communities locally and nationally. The purpose of the NVN is to build capacity of network member organizations and communities they serve by sharing information and taking collective action to amplify the voice of Native working families. The NVN provides a marketplace of ideas and opportunities to share current issues and concerns. The event was almost an Ambassador reunion with Chrissie Castro (Dine, 2006-07) facilitating the dialogue. Ambassadors in attendance were Janeen Comenote (Quinault/Hesquiaht/Oglala, 1999), Matthew Morton (Squaxin Island Tribe, 2013/14), Dalene Coriz (Santo Domingo Pueblo, 2013/14), Carnell Chosa (2006/08, Jemez Pueblo), and Kevin Killer (Oglala Lakota/Kiowa, 2013/14). www.NativeVoiceNetwork.org
The AIO Legacy Projects As AIO prepares to celebrate its 44th Anniversary and 20 years of the Ambassadors Program, four initiatives are currently underway that will help share the legacy of AIO’s influence. The Legacy Projects include a film, a book, a study and LaDonna Harris’ memoirs. The film, Indian 101, which chronicles the work of LaDonna Harris, is in the final stages of editing. LaDonna is working on
capturing her memories. She is currently editing the initial rough draft. An Anthology of AIO’s publications followed by the comments of Indigenous scholars, evaluating and demonstrating the wide range of topics AIO has taken up and relaying the historical significance and current relevance of the publications and AIO’s work. The Ambassador Community Impact Study is nearing completion, documenting the impact that the Ambassadors have had on their communities. Laura Harris, AIO CEO explained, “The AIO Legacy Projects will tell an important part of modern Indian history. How things got done. How Native leaders changed policy and charted a new course for Tribal America. AIO was a part of that movement and we want to draw attention to AIO’s archives at the University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research. AIO’s papers have been called the finest collection of modern Native American history in the country.”
AIO Honors Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
The Taos Blue Lake Spirit of Indigeneity Award was awarded to the Pueblo of Ysleta Del Sur this past July. AIO applauds the Pueblo’s courageous acts of self-determination and sovereignty. Their economic stability and steadfast dedication to defining citizenship without blood quantum is a tremendous accomplishment. Ysleta del Sur leaders were honored during AIO’s Ambassadors Community Reception at the Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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