Empowering Native Youth Today

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.