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About United American Indian Involvement (UAII)

UAII is focused on the holistic treatment of the American Indian and Alaskan Native community in the urban Los Angeles area by providing comprehensive integrated services that focus on all age groups and incorporate our culture and traditions.

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Our History

United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) was founded in 1974 by two Indigenous women, Marian Zucco (Paiute) and Babba Cooper (Lakota), in response to the lasting impact of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. This federal policy encouraged American Indians to leave reservations for cities like Los Angeles with promises of jobs and housing. However, many who relocated faced racial discrimination, economic hardship, and cultural erasure, often with little to no support.

In the face of these challenges, a strong urban Indian community emerged. People from different tribal nations came together, forming a shared identity known as Inter-tribalism. Recognizing the need for culturally competent services, Zucco and Cooper established UAII to provide healthcare, social support, and cultural programs tailored to the unique experiences of American Indians in Los Angeles.

Today, UAII remains the only Urban Indian health center in Los Angeles, a city with the largest population of American Indians in the nation. UAII provides culturally sensitive healthcare by integrating traditional healing practices with modern medicine, offering services that respect American Indian traditions, languages, and holistic approaches to wellness. From behavioral health programs rooted in cultural identity to community-driven initiatives that promote healing through ceremony, UAII ensures that American Indians receive care that acknowledges their histories, values, and unique healthcare needs.

By addressing the long-term effects of relocation—including health disparities, housing instability, and intergenerational trauma—UAII continues to be a vital resource for the American Indian community, honoring resilience and strengthening the future of urban American Indian people.

Through the eyes of UAII Board Member and elder Keith, who was just a young boy when his family relocated to Los Angeles, The People’s Home explores the lasting impact of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. As Keith retraces his family’s journey, he revisits the places that shaped their experience, reflecting on the struggles of cultural loss, assimilation, and the resilience of the urban Native community.

Learn more about Our Native Community

Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote and support the physical, behavioral, and spiritual health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the urban center by providing high-quality, comprehensive, integrated services for our youth, adults, and elders rooted in Native traditional values and culture. We strive to serve as a bridge to reconnect American Indians and Alaskan Natives to their language, culture, and traditions.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to provide quality physical and behavioral health, education, and social support services that promote healthy lifestyles and individual responsibility in order to strengthen American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, now and for future generations. All services will integrate our native traditions, practices, and beliefs, be culturally sensitive, and be respectful of American Indian and Alaskan Native tribal affiliation.

We are committed to a future where the rich languages, cultures, and traditions of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities are celebrated, preserved, and passed down through generations. We strive to foster an environment that encourages learning and growth, promoting the revitalization of language and culture. Our commitment is to empower American Indians and Alaskan Native communities, ensuring their unique cultural identities thrive in a world that respects diversity and values historical roots. We believe in the power of education, dialogue, and shared experiences to bridge gaps, dispel misconceptions, and foster unity while honoring our distinct cultural landscapes.

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Join UAII and the American Red Cross for a community blood drive right here in L.A. Your donation can help someone get the care they need. ❤️

📅 Thursday, December 10, 2026
⏰ 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
📍 UAII, 1453 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026

🩸 Book your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code UAIILA.

To save time, complete your RapidPass on the day of your appointment before you arrive.

As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card of your choice to those who give blood December 7 through 17.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18124250032980856
Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Join UAII and the American Red Cross for a community blood drive right here in L.A. Your donation can help someone get the care they need. ❤️ 📅 Thursday, December 10, 2026 ⏰ 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 📍 UAII, 1453 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 🩸 Book your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code UAIILA. To save time, complete your RapidPass on the day of your appointment before you arrive. As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card of your choice to those who give blood December 7 through 17.

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Join us for the Gila River Indian Community Cultural Event! We’re excited to welcome community members for an afternoon of cultural learning, connection, and community. We’ll be joined by Marvin Thomas, District 2 Elder, who will share Family and Kinship terms and help us deepen our understanding of Gila River traditions and culture.

📅 November 14
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 250 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

RSVP IS REQUIRED!

To RSVP, contact Nizhoni Begay at nbegay@uaii.org or call 213-596-6610.

We look forward to gathering, learning, and sharing together!

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18119370605042743
Join us for the Gila River Indian Community Cultural Event! We’re excited to welcome community members for an afternoon of cultural learning, connection, and community. We’ll be joined by Marvin Thomas, District 2 Elder, who will share Family and Kinship terms and help us deepen our understanding of Gila River traditions and culture. 📅 November 14 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 📍 250 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 RSVP IS REQUIRED! To RSVP, contact Nizhoni Begay at nbegay@uaii.org or call 213-596-6610. We look forward to gathering, learning, and sharing together!

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Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

At UAII, we proudly recognize our Native veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made. Your service, stories, and contributions will never be forgotten.

To our relatives who have served, thank you. ❤️

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Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. At UAII, we proudly recognize our Native veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made. Your service, stories, and contributions will never be forgotten. To our relatives who have served, thank you. ❤️

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UAII was honored to welcome Assemblymember Jessica M. Caloza of California’s 52nd Assembly District to learn about our history, programs, and longstanding commitment to serving the urban Native community.

As we continue advocating for equitable access to Indian healthcare, partnerships with state leaders are essential to ensuring that urban Native people are recognized, represented, and supported.

We look forward to working with Assemblymember Caloza to protect and strengthen access to healthcare for Native people throughout Los Angeles County and to advance policies that support the health and well-being of our community.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18160409251511268
UAII was honored to welcome Assemblymember Jessica M. Caloza of California’s 52nd Assembly District to learn about our history, programs, and longstanding commitment to serving the urban Native community. As we continue advocating for equitable access to Indian healthcare, partnerships with state leaders are essential to ensuring that urban Native people are recognized, represented, and supported. We look forward to working with Assemblymember Caloza to protect and strengthen access to healthcare for Native people throughout Los Angeles County and to advance policies that support the health and well-being of our community.

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In observance of Veterans Day, UAII will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11.

As we prepare to honor those who have served, we recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our veterans, especially our Native American relatives who have a long and proud history of military service.

We thank all veterans and their families for their service.

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In observance of Veterans Day, UAII will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11. As we prepare to honor those who have served, we recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our veterans, especially our Native American relatives who have a long and proud history of military service. We thank all veterans and their families for their service.

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Following the recent elections, we’re celebrating Native women who are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and ensuring Indigenous voices are represented at every level of government.

From tribal nations to Congress and state leadership, their achievements are a powerful reminder that representation matters and the next generation of Native leaders is watching. ❤️

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Following the recent elections, we’re celebrating Native women who are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and ensuring Indigenous voices are represented at every level of government. From tribal nations to Congress and state leadership, their achievements are a powerful reminder that representation matters and the next generation of Native leaders is watching. ❤️

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UAII is heading to the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026! ✨🎄

We’re excited to represent our Native community and celebrate the season through culture, music, dance, and community! We’re looking for all dancers and singers to join us as we bring Indigenous pride and traditions to the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 29, 2026!

Interested in participating? Contact us at events@uaii.org.

Let’s show Hollywood the resilience and rich spirit of Indian Country! ❤️

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UAII is heading to the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026! ✨🎄 We’re excited to represent our Native community and celebrate the season through culture, music, dance, and community! We’re looking for all dancers and singers to join us as we bring Indigenous pride and traditions to the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 29, 2026! Interested in participating? Contact us at events@uaii.org. Let’s show Hollywood the resilience and rich spirit of Indian Country! ❤️

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Congratulations to Nithya Raman on becoming the Mayor-Elect of Los Angeles.

It was an honor to welcome Nithya to the UAII Peoples Home Intertribal Indigenous Powwow this summer. Her presence and connection with our community meant a great deal to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our rich cultures and heritage!

As she prepares to take on this role, we wish her the very best and hope for a meaningful and successful term serving the people of Los Angeles. Congratulations Mayor-Elect Nithya Raman

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18121644176075858
Congratulations to Nithya Raman on becoming the Mayor-Elect of Los Angeles. It was an honor to welcome Nithya to the UAII Peoples Home Intertribal Indigenous Powwow this summer. Her presence and connection with our community meant a great deal to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our rich cultures and heritage! As she prepares to take on this role, we wish her the very best and hope for a meaningful and successful term serving the people of Los Angeles. Congratulations Mayor-Elect Nithya Raman

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