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February 20, 2009
AIO Helps Serve Needs of Native Children

Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) is proud to host a house party for the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). AIO has been a long time supporter of programs aimed at serving the needs of vulnerable children.

The event held Friday, February 20, is dedicated to raising funds for the well-being of all American Indian children and families. NICWA believes that, “Every Indian child must have access to community-based, culturally appropriate services.”

AIO founder and President, LaDonna Harris said, “It has always been AIO’s philosophy that Indigenous peoples have the solutions for our communities, NICWA is a shining example of that kind of success.”

AIO and NICWA have a rich partnership; augmented by AIO’s nationally acclaimed Ambassadors Program. The Program has helped groom two key NICWA players, Gil Vigil ’93 (Tesuque) and Eddie Sherman ‘06/07 (Dine/Omaha). Vigil serves as a Board Member and Sherman the current Development Manager.

These are only two of AIO’s 83 Ambassadors who have dedicated their skills to help children at risk. The initiatives that AIO’s Ambassadors have created or contributed to range from developing leadership amongst at risk youth, to after school programs, to working with teen mothers to resist drugs. All these programs focus on impacting and ensuring better futures for vulnerable Native American children.

“Serving children is a wonderful cause that we are happy to support and work together with other organizations,” Harris said. The event will be held from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at the Harris private residence (288 Placitas NW, Albuquerque 87107). Donations will be accepted at the door. Please contact the AIO office for further details.