Circle of Indigenous Empowerment

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The University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is involved in many partnerships within and beyond the borders of Arizona focused on supporting—and empowering— Native persons with disabilities.

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Connections

Talking Circles
Community Visits
Tribal Events

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Information Services

Trainings
Products
Resources

Resources

Technical Assistance
New Projects
Collaborations

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Issue #1 - March 2023 | Issue #2 - June 2023 | Issue #3 - September 2023 | Issue #4 - December 2023

Issue #5 - March 2024

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Monthly Webinar Series

Examining the history of disability within Native communities, present-day challenges, and the possible solutions to creating a more equitable and accessible future for Native people with disabilities.

Attendees come away from the series with a greater understanding of:

The history and culture of disability within Native communities
The unique intersectionality of disability and Native populations
The current challenges facing Native people with disabilities and some of the achievements around ensuring equitable access
The culturally-based strategies and approaches that can help improve the quality of life for Native people with disabilities

WATCH PAST RECORDINGS

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Upcoming Events

May

20

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From Neurodivergence to Neuroscience: An Indigenous Scholar's Personal and Professional Journey Through Academia

11 a.m. to noon, May 20, 2024

Native Initiatives

Native American Developmental Disabilities Needs Assessment

This report provides information about the availability of services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families, the needs of DD tribal members and their families, and tribal members' familiarity and contact with the DD Network agencies.

LEARN MORE

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Contact

If you have any questions about the Sonoran Center's Circle of Indigenous Empowerment, contact:

Agnes Attakai, MPA

Native Initiatives Program Director

agnesa@arizona.edu

News

Jim Warne, a Native American man wearing a black jacket, white shirt, and brown tie

Sonoran Center Hosts Screening of Films by Jim Warne

Dec. 20, 2023

On December 7, the Sonoran Center’s Native Center for Disabilities monthly webinar series hosted a special screening of two documentary films and one short film by activist and filmmaker Jim Warne. The two films, 7th Generation, and Remember the Children, and short film, “Oyáte un Itówapi - Pictures of My People”, discussed the historical and ongoing oppression and marginalization of Native American communities, while emphasizing their resilience and drive to preserve their culture.

Staff Spotlight: JS Torres

Nov. 30, 2023

For this month’s Sonoran Center Staff Spotlight, we are meeting with JS Torres.
Torres is a Student Project Aide for the Sonoran Center’s Native Initiatives.
We discuss their work with the Native Center Disabilities, what Native American Heritage month means for them, how to bring communities together, upcoming projects, and more!

The CACTI Blog: Celebrating the Intersectionality of Indigenous Peoples as a Sonoran Center Trainee

Nov. 15, 2023

Much like how my Native American heritage and culture influences my own identity, the lived experiences of tribal members who have a disability are also impacted by their own set of unique intersecting identities that require culturally relevant support specific to their needs.

Funding was made possible in part by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council through the Native Center for Disabilities project. The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,500,930 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. Council efforts are those of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by any speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the ADDPC or the Administration for Community Living, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Circle of Indigenous Empowerment