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August 29, 2008
AIO Ambassadors: Strengthening Tribal America

(Washington, DC) – Seventeen of Tribal America’s brightest emerging leaders will undergo a crash course on the inner workings of the policy making process, as part of the 10th Class of Americans for Indian Opportunity’s (AIO) landmark American Indian Ambassadors Program.  The cohort will enjoy a week in the nation’s capital, embarking on meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, the White House, and an embassy.  While on the east coast, participants will make a trip to New York City to visit with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.  

    “It is important for Tribal America to maintain its political and cultural autonomy within the federal system,” said Laura Harris, AIO’s executive director.  “That’s why Native Americans seeking to advance the well-being of their communities need a thorough understanding of the special relationship with the U.S. Government and how one specifically goes about influencing national and international policy.” 

     This year’s class represents 18 Tribes from 12 states.  Each partcipant is working on a community issue to meet a local need.  The Ambassadors interests range from youth leadership to telecommunications to language preservation.  “We are mobilized by our differences and likenesses,” said LaDonna Harris, President of AIO.  “Especially with the collective wisdom of our communities, we have the knowledge to effect policy and create positive change.” 

     To honor national agents of change, AIO is awarding the Eugene Crawford Memorial Peace Pipe Award to former U.S. Senator Fred Harris, a critical player in the advancement of civil rights and proponent of American Indian causes, and to former Mississippi Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin, a leader who revolutionized the
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modern tribal economic system. The award was created to honor a recipient’s lifetime achievements, particularly their dedication and contributions to Native America and ensuring future opportunity for Indigenous peoples.  The ceremony will take place at the Army Navy Club on Wednesday, September 10th at 6pm.

AIO brings Ambassadors to the nation’s capital to learn the ins and outs of Washington culture – from how to effectively lobby their representatives, to how to utilize resource of the nation’s capital.  With an emphasis on developing practical skills, program participants will gain hands on experience by interacting with a range of policy makers, spanning across numerous government sectors, including those dealing with international affairs.
   
To better understand the international dynamics of Indigenous rights, Ambassadors will address the topic with relevant people at the United Nations, U.S. Department of State and representatives at the Embassy of New Zealand, a country currently in an election year with a large population of Indigenous peoples. 

For photos, more information about AIO’s Ambassadors Program, or to schedule an interview with either Laura or LaDonna Harris, please call 505/842-8677.