Skip to content

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.

Meet Our Team
Explore Careers at UAII

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.

Passing the phone around UAII! This trend is a chance to connect, have a little fun and get to know the faces of UAII🤍

Who should we pass the phone to next?😁

39 1
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18066843764769062
Passing the phone around UAII! This trend is a chance to connect, have a little fun and get to know the faces of UAII🤍 Who should we pass the phone to next?😁

...

39 1

Need help accessing affordable public transportation? UAII’s LIFE program can help eligible participants access transit resources and save on transportation costs.

New participants receive a 90-day free pass. After that, LIFE offers 20 free regional rides each month or fare subsidies that may be applied toward participating transit passes and regional ride options.

Interested in signing up or learning more? Call ahead to make an appointment:

📞 (213) 202-3970
📧 aespinosa@uaii.org
Ask for Angel Espinosa.

UAII is here to help connect our community with resources that support access, mobility, and opportunity. ❤️

27 0
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18086435894226662
Need help accessing affordable public transportation? UAII’s LIFE program can help eligible participants access transit resources and save on transportation costs. New participants receive a 90-day free pass. After that, LIFE offers 20 free regional rides each month or fare subsidies that may be applied toward participating transit passes and regional ride options. Interested in signing up or learning more? Call ahead to make an appointment: 📞 (213) 202-3970 📧 aespinosa@uaii.org Ask for Angel Espinosa. UAII is here to help connect our community with resources that support access, mobility, and opportunity. ❤️

...

27 0

Stay Cool. Stay Safe. Beat the Heat!☀️

As temperatures rise, it’s important to know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do when they occur. Stay hydrated, take breaks in cool or air-conditioned spaces, and use a cool shower or cold compress if you’re feeling overheated.

Know the signs of heat stroke. Take care of yourself, your family, and your community this summer. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on those around you.

39 0
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18002129285994168
Stay Cool. Stay Safe. Beat the Heat!☀️ As temperatures rise, it’s important to know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do when they occur. Stay hydrated, take breaks in cool or air-conditioned spaces, and use a cool shower or cold compress if you’re feeling overheated. Know the signs of heat stroke. Take care of yourself, your family, and your community this summer. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on those around you.

...

39 0

Join the American Indian & Alaska Native Voices on Vaccines Community Listening Circle, a space for Native adults in Los Angeles County to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on vaccines. Your feedback will help support more culturally respectful outreach and messaging around vaccine confidence in our communities.

📅 September 2, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 250 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
🎁 $50 gift card provided to participants

The listening circle is open to American Indian and Alaska Native adults ages 18+ who live in Los Angeles County,

Registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up.

42 0
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18093802397540535
Join the American Indian & Alaska Native Voices on Vaccines Community Listening Circle, a space for Native adults in Los Angeles County to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on vaccines. Your feedback will help support more culturally respectful outreach and messaging around vaccine confidence in our communities. 📅 September 2, 2026 🕔 5:00 PM 📍 250 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 🎁 $50 gift card provided to participants The listening circle is open to American Indian and Alaska Native adults ages 18+ who live in Los Angeles County, Registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up.

...

42 0

Happy Monday! #mondaymotivation

66 2
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 17965264509152452
Happy Monday! #mondaymotivation

...

66 2

One of the questions we get asked most is, "How can I get involved with UAII?"

There are many ways to support UAII and make a difference in our community. Whether you volunteer your time, attend cultural events, donate to our programs, or help spread awareness, every contribution helps strengthen the work we do.

Want to stay involved? Follow us on social media for the latest events, programs, and community updates, or visit uaii.org to learn more about ways to connect and support our mission!

21 1
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18090791435634763
One of the questions we get asked most is, "How can I get involved with UAII?" There are many ways to support UAII and make a difference in our community. Whether you volunteer your time, attend cultural events, donate to our programs, or help spread awareness, every contribution helps strengthen the work we do. Want to stay involved? Follow us on social media for the latest events, programs, and community updates, or visit uaii.org to learn more about ways to connect and support our mission!

...

21 1

Paint by Numbers Workshop at UAII! Take some time to get creative and join us for a fun Paint by Numbers Workshop at the UAII Community Center! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, come paint, connect, and enjoy some time with community.

📅 September 3, 2026
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 UAII Community Center
🍪 Snacks will be provided!

RSVP: nbishop@uaii.org or (213) 926-3619

Come create something colorful and have an evening of art and community with UAII! 🎨

12 0
Open post by uaii_inc with ID 18109375973042953
Paint by Numbers Workshop at UAII! Take some time to get creative and join us for a fun Paint by Numbers Workshop at the UAII Community Center! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, come paint, connect, and enjoy some time with community. 📅 September 3, 2026 🕓 4:00–6:00 PM 📍 UAII Community Center 🍪 Snacks will be provided! RSVP: nbishop@uaii.org or (213) 926-3619 Come create something colorful and have an evening of art and community with UAII! 🎨

...

12 0
background image representing nature elements

Get Involved with UAII

Help us support our Native communities.

Find Volunteer OpportunitiesLearn How to Make a Difference

UAII News & Announcements

background image representing nature elements

Keep Up with UAII

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected with all that’s happening at UAII and how you can help us make a difference.