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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.

In observance of Juneteenth, UAII will be closed on Friday, June 19. We wish everyone a safe and reflective Juneteenth.

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In observance of Juneteenth, UAII will be closed on Friday, June 19. We wish everyone a safe and reflective Juneteenth.

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Last week we were honored to welcome Ms. Lee Allen, M.A., Management and Program Analyst with the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), for an outcomes visit with the UAII Workforce Program.

During her visit, we shared the impact of the work supported through the ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant initiative. Through this funding, UAII continues to strengthen workforce development opportunities, support economic growth, and help Native community members build pathways toward long-term success.
The ANA SEDS program empowers Native communities to create solutions that reflect their unique needs, cultures, and goals.

We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the progress being made and the positive impact these programs have on the individuals and families we serve.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18139897573551142
Last week we were honored to welcome Ms. Lee Allen, M.A., Management and Program Analyst with the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), for an outcomes visit with the UAII Workforce Program. During her visit, we shared the impact of the work supported through the ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant initiative. Through this funding, UAII continues to strengthen workforce development opportunities, support economic growth, and help Native community members build pathways toward long-term success. The ANA SEDS program empowers Native communities to create solutions that reflect their unique needs, cultures, and goals. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the progress being made and the positive impact these programs have on the individuals and families we serve.

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🎤🌈 UAII x Indigenous Pride LA Open Mic Night 🌈🎤

Join us for an evening of community, creativity, and celebration as we uplift Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ voices through poetry, music, storytelling, comedy, spoken word, dance, and artistic expression.

Enjoy, connect with community resources, and experience powerful open mic performances in a welcoming and supportive space. Whether you’re taking the mic or cheering others on, we invite you to come celebrate, connect, and be yourself!

📅 Tuesday, June 23
⏰ 6 PM - 8 PM
📍 UAII Boys & Girls Club
250 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

🚗 Overflow parking available at UAII Headquarters on Temple Street.

All are welcome. Bring your voice, your story, and your community. ❤️

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 17934758898257980
🎤🌈 UAII x Indigenous Pride LA Open Mic Night 🌈🎤 Join us for an evening of community, creativity, and celebration as we uplift Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ voices through poetry, music, storytelling, comedy, spoken word, dance, and artistic expression. Enjoy, connect with community resources, and experience powerful open mic performances in a welcoming and supportive space. Whether you’re taking the mic or cheering others on, we invite you to come celebrate, connect, and be yourself! 📅 Tuesday, June 23 ⏰ 6 PM - 8 PM 📍 UAII Boys & Girls Club 250 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 🚗 Overflow parking available at UAII Headquarters on Temple Street. All are welcome. Bring your voice, your story, and your community. ❤️

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Keep going. Your efforts matter, and the impact can last for generations to come. #MondayMotivation

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18037818788650885
Keep going. Your efforts matter, and the impact can last for generations to come. #MondayMotivation

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UAII is honored to partner with Indigenous educator Thosh Collins to launch a monthly Indigenous Men’s Healing Circle, a space created for Indigenous men and young men to connect, reflect, heal, and grow together.

Through movement, guided visualization, ceremony, and meaningful conversations, participants will explore identity, wellness, sobriety, relationships, leadership, and cultural responsibility while building strong connections with other Indigenous relatives.

📅 June 28, 2026
⏰ 9 AM - 1 PM
📍 Boys & Girls Club, 250 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Open to ages 15+ and part of a 6-month monthly wellness program.

To RSVP or learn more, email: events@uaii.org

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 17892845991489781
UAII is honored to partner with Indigenous educator Thosh Collins to launch a monthly Indigenous Men’s Healing Circle, a space created for Indigenous men and young men to connect, reflect, heal, and grow together. Through movement, guided visualization, ceremony, and meaningful conversations, participants will explore identity, wellness, sobriety, relationships, leadership, and cultural responsibility while building strong connections with other Indigenous relatives. 📅 June 28, 2026 ⏰ 9 AM - 1 PM 📍 Boys & Girls Club, 250 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Open to ages 15+ and part of a 6-month monthly wellness program. To RSVP or learn more, email: events@uaii.org

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Join UAII Behavioral Health for a fun-filled Family Game Day where families can connect, build community, and enjoy an afternoon of games, snacks, and quality time together. Whether you`re a board game champion or just coming for the fun, there`s something for everyone. We hope to see you there!

📅 June 27, 2026
⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM
📍 UAII Community Center | 1453 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

To RSVP, email nbishop@uaii.org or call/text (213) 926-3619.

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Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18142823692520033
Join UAII Behavioral Health for a fun-filled Family Game Day where families can connect, build community, and enjoy an afternoon of games, snacks, and quality time together. Whether you're a board game champion or just coming for the fun, there's something for everyone. We hope to see you there! 📅 June 27, 2026 ⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM 📍 UAII Community Center | 1453 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026 To RSVP, email nbishop@uaii.org or call/text (213) 926-3619.

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