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January 16, 2009
LaDonna Harris Honored at American Indian Inaugural Ball

LaDonna Harris Honored for Lifetime Achievements
AIO Founder and President will be recognized in Washington D.C.

Americans for Indian Opportunity’s (AIO) Founder and President LaDonna Harris will be recognized for her lifetime achievements by the American Indian Society of Washington D.C., at the 11th American Indian Inaugural Ball.

LaDonna Harris, President of AIO, is a remarkable stateswoman and national leader who has enriched the lives of thousands. She has devoted her life to building coalitions that create change. She has been a consistent and ardent advocate on behalf of Tribal America. In addition, she continues her activism in the areas of civil rights, environmental protection, the women’s movement and world peace.

For more than 3 decades, Harris has been a strong voice for Indigenous rights. In the 1960's, she founded Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity to find ways to reverse the stifling socio-economic conditions that impact Indian communities. From the 1970's to present, she has presided over Americans for Indian Opportunity. A catalyst for new concepts and opportunities for Indigenous peoples, this national organization works to enhance the cultural, social, political and economic self-sufficiency of tribes. Harris also founded some of today’s leading national Indian organizations including the National Indian Housing Council, Council of Energy Resource Tribes, National Tribal Environmental Council, and National Indian Business Association.

Harris has been involved with the American Indian Society of Washington D.C. since the 1960’s. “AIS offers a wonderful sense of community to Indians living in the D.C. area. It is an honor for me to be recognized by such a distinguished organization,” she said. Harris recalls the first American Indian Inaugural Ball hosted by the organization, and the significance of an American Indian presence during the national event. “My family and I love to be part of the American Indian Inaugural Ball because it recognizes and the contributions of Native Americans to the political fabric of this country.” The 11th American Indian Inaugural Ball will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City on January 20, 2009.