Mission Statement

Weaving an international Indigenous network, Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) catalyzes and facilitates culturally appropriate initiatives and opportunities that enrich the cultural, political and economic lives of Indigenous peoples. 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 challenges of the new century. Governed by a Board of international Indigenous leaders, AIO seeks to create new avenues for international Indigenous interaction, and explore ways Indigenous peoples can influence globalization. AIO is a national nonprofit organization, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.