(Albuquerque, NM) - "Never own anything you can't give away" is a mantra AIO President LaDonna Harris lives by and the virtue of generosity remains a coveted characteristic among Native people.
In fact, reciprocity and redistribution are two of four core values for AIO's landmark American Indian Ambassadors Program. These values - along with relationships and responsibility - will be highlighted when 18 of Tribal America's brightest emerging leaders will take a crash course on the inner workings of Washington, D.C. politics.
The week long gathering, taking place September 16-24, 2006, will incorporate meetings with the Legislative and Executive branches of the U.S. government, along with leading advocates for American Indian issues and international dignitaries.
A Reception and Silent Art Auction to benefit AIO will be held on Wednesday, September 20 from 6-9 p.m. at the Madison Hotel. The first Native American in space, Astronaut John Herrington, will be present to receive AIO's Peace Pipe Award. Many one-of-a-kind pieces by Native American artists have been donated and will be available for perusal, online at www.aio.org.
AIO brings Ambassadors to the nation’s Capitol to learn the ins and outs of Washington culture - from how to effectively lobby their state representatives to how to utilize resources at their disposal.
"Tribal America maintains its political and cultural autonomy while participating in the federal system," said Laura Harris, Executive Director of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO). "That's why Native Americans seeking to advance the well-being of their communities need a thorough understanding of the special relationship we maintain with the U.S. Government, and how one specifically goes about influencing decision-makers in D.C."
"In an increasingly globalized world, the Indigenous struggle for self-determination carries far reaching implications," said LaDonna. "To better understand the international dynamics of Indigenous rights, Ambassadors will address the topic with relevant people at the U.S. Department of State and representatives at the Embassy of Bolivia, a country currently undergoing major policy shifts with regards to the livelihood of its native peoples."
LaDonna has always had a way of turning around and giving the shawl off her back to the person beside her, either to honor them or reaffirm a kinship. Many of her shawls, star quilts and blankets have come from others who have wished to honor her.
The Reception/Art Auction on September 20th will honor Harris' generosity as she redistributes back to the Native American community the honors bestowed upon her. LaDonna Harris will donate her shawl, blanket and quilt collection to the National Museum of the American Indian.
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