Indian Country

This month is National wildfire awareness month, and it is an important time for those of us who live in regions prone to wildfires. Wildfires have been a threat to ecosystems, human life, and property, many Tribes live in areas that face regular wildfires such as forests, grasslands, and prairies. Here in the southwest, wildfires are intensified by the hot and dry conditions of ongoing drought.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) closely follows public policy analysis and research surrounding the systemic violence suffered by Indigenous women. In recognition of SAAM, AIPI would like to take some time and space to discuss the recent 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its projected effect on Indigenous communities.

Saturday, March 26, 2022, marked the closing of the American Indian Policy Institute’s (AIPI) first-ever Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA). A bittersweet conclusion to a historic inaugural program, the cessation of ILA will leave a gap in AIPI’s weekly activities and those of us at AIPI will eagerly welcome the next cohort coming in the Fall of 2022.

On the winter evening of February 25, 2022, Indigenous leaders from throughout Arizona sat down in front of their devices to commence module five of the American Indian Policy Institute’s (AIPI) Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA). The inaugural cohort had seen continuous growth in the previous four weeks in familiarity, inspiration, and knowledge. As the fifth ILA zoom meeting got underway, the momentum was palpable, and for good reason.

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