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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.

Please note that UAII will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Have a safe and restful holiday weekend.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18101113373174472
Please note that UAII will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Have a safe and restful holiday weekend.

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We’re excited to gather, celebrate, and welcome everyone to this year’s UAII Pow Wow.

It creates space for culture and connection while giving our community, families, and visitors the opportunity to experience and celebrate Native traditions together in our urban spaces!

We hope to see you there!

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 17944808910234487
We’re excited to gather, celebrate, and welcome everyone to this year’s UAII Pow Wow. It creates space for culture and connection while giving our community, families, and visitors the opportunity to experience and celebrate Native traditions together in our urban spaces! We hope to see you there!

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🥫💙 No one should have to choose between food and other basic needs.

Our free food distribution is an ongoing effort to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you need a little extra help or know someone who does, we`re here for you. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community—one meal at a time.

Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this continuous giveaway possible. Your generosity helps us serve our neighbors with dignity and compassion.

📍 Follow our page for upcoming distribution dates, times, and locations.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18131460781612240
🥫💙 No one should have to choose between food and other basic needs. Our free food distribution is an ongoing effort to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you need a little extra help or know someone who does, we're here for you. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community—one meal at a time. Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this continuous giveaway possible. Your generosity helps us serve our neighbors with dignity and compassion. 📍 Follow our page for upcoming distribution dates, times, and locations.

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Step into this week with strength in your heart and purpose in your path.

Our ancestors remind us that true strength is found in resilience, in community, and in continuing forward even when the journey isn`t easy. You`ve got this, relatives. ❤️🪶 #MondayMotivation

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18155562358485217
Step into this week with strength in your heart and purpose in your path. Our ancestors remind us that true strength is found in resilience, in community, and in continuing forward even when the journey isn't easy. You've got this, relatives. ❤️🪶 #MondayMotivation

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