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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.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to help prevent serious illnesses and keep you and your loved ones healthy. Whether you`re getting ready for back to school, staying up to date on routine immunizations, or catching up on recommended vaccines, every step toward prevention matters.

At UAII, we`re here to provide culturally centered care for every stage of life. Our medical team is ready to help you stay on track with the immunizations you need.

Schedule your appointment today and learn more about our medical services at uaii.org/health-services/medical

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18110399227807466
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to help prevent serious illnesses and keep you and your loved ones healthy. Whether you're getting ready for back to school, staying up to date on routine immunizations, or catching up on recommended vaccines, every step toward prevention matters. At UAII, we're here to provide culturally centered care for every stage of life. Our medical team is ready to help you stay on track with the immunizations you need. Schedule your appointment today and learn more about our medical services at uaii.org/health-services/medical

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Set your child up for a healthy and successful school year with care you can trust. From school physicals and immunizations to well-child visits and same-day sick appointments, UAII Healthcare is here to help your family stay on track all year long.

Our culturally centered healthcare services are open to all, making it easy to check those back-to-school essentials off your list.

Schedule your child`s appointment today and learn more about our pediatric services at uaii.org.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18382492441167766
Set your child up for a healthy and successful school year with care you can trust. From school physicals and immunizations to well-child visits and same-day sick appointments, UAII Healthcare is here to help your family stay on track all year long. Our culturally centered healthcare services are open to all, making it easy to check those back-to-school essentials off your list. Schedule your child's appointment today and learn more about our pediatric services at uaii.org.

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Calling all Gila River Indian Community members! Join us for a special afternoon with the GRIC Culture & Language Program as we learn how to express our emotions in the O`othom language.

🗓 Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 BGCUAII
250 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

This event is open to all ages! Supplies will be provided, just bring your good spirits and a willingness to learn as we celebrate and strengthen the language of our people together.

To RSVP, contact Nizhonii Begay:
📞 (213) 596-6610
📧 nbegay@uaii.org

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18088402355544357
Calling all Gila River Indian Community members! Join us for a special afternoon with the GRIC Culture & Language Program as we learn how to express our emotions in the O'othom language. 🗓 Saturday, August 15, 2026 🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 📍 BGCUAII 250 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 This event is open to all ages! Supplies will be provided, just bring your good spirits and a willingness to learn as we celebrate and strengthen the language of our people together. To RSVP, contact Nizhonii Begay: 📞 (213) 596-6610 📧 nbegay@uaii.org

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There were just so many amazing moments from The People`s Home Powwow😊

We`re still sharing some of our favorite memories from an unforgettable weekend filled with culture, community, and celebration. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event so special.

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There were just so many amazing moments from The People's Home Powwow😊 We're still sharing some of our favorite memories from an unforgettable weekend filled with culture, community, and celebration. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event so special.

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Recapping The People`s Home Powwow! 🪶✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us, celebrated with us, and helped make this Powwow a success. Your support and community spirit made this weekend unforgettable. Until next year!

Amazing footage captured by @mobilehomemedia

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 17961043386010855
Recapping The People's Home Powwow! 🪶✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us, celebrated with us, and helped make this Powwow a success. Your support and community spirit made this weekend unforgettable. Until next year! Amazing footage captured by @mobilehomemedia

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