Native American Professionals in Arizona

Located at Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ, the Native American Journalists Association at ASU is a student-led organization dedicated to building meaningful community among Native American students and aspiring journalists. NAJA at ASU creates a supportive environment where Indigenous students can connect, grow, and develop their voices in media while celebrating their cultural heritage. The organization recognizes the importance of authentic representation and works to ensure that Native American perspectives are heard and respected in journalism and broader public discourse. At its core, NAJA at ASU fosters genuine support for Native American students navigating higher education while building a community of journalists committed to ethical, respectful coverage of Indigenous peoples. The organization understands that representation matters—both in newsrooms and in the stories being told about Native communities. By bringing together students who share a passion for journalism and cultural pride, NAJA at ASU creates spaces for mentorship, collaboration, and professional development rooted in community values. Beyond the classroom, NAJA at ASU demonstrates deep commitment to Indigenous communities by raising awareness about critical issues affecting Native tribes. The organization actively promotes knowledge about tribal rights, cultural preservation, and community support initiatives. Through its platform in Phoenix, NAJA at ASU connects students with opportunities to learn about and contribute to causes that matter to Native peoples, from environmental protection to violence prevention. This organization represents more than a professional club—it's a community hub where Native American students find belonging, purpose, and the encouragement to become powerful voices for their people.

Turning Points Magazine represents a transformative initiative rooted in the Tempe, Arizona campus community at Arizona State University. Born from genuine conversations with Indigenous students who expressed feelings of loneliness, invisibility, and disconnection, this student organization emerged as a tangible response to real community needs. Developed by Drs. Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy (Lumbee) and Amanda R. Tachine (Diné), the magazine reflects a commitment to centering Native student voices and experiences within higher education. What distinguishes Turning Points is its foundational principle: created by and for Indigenous college students. This approach ensures that every aspect of the publication—from conceptualization through distribution—honors and amplifies the authentic perspectives of Native students themselves. The magazine serves as more than just informational content; it functions as a source of affirmation, reminding Indigenous students that they are not alone in their unique journeys and that they genuinely belong within the university. Distributed throughout Arizona State University's Indigenous student population and to tribal leadership nationwide, Turning Points Magazine has become a vital resource within Native higher education circles. The publication's recognition through multiple National Native Media Awards demonstrates the quality and impact of student-led journalism that centers Indigenous narratives. Operating from the Center for Indian Education's location in Discovery Hall on the Tempe campus, this student organization continues to build community, foster connection, and provide practical guidance for Native students pursuing their academic goals. Turning Points exemplifies how institutional support combined with student leadership can create meaningful, culturally relevant resources that sustain and celebrate Indigenous presence in higher education.

Housed in Discovery Hall on Arizona State University's Tempe campus, the American Indian Graduate Student Association represents a community of Indigenous scholars dedicated to advancing Native voices in higher education. This student organization brings together graduate students who share a commitment to centering Indigenous experiences, protecting tribal sovereignty, and promoting self-determination across American Indian nations. The association is rooted in the university's American Indian Studies program, which has championed Indigenous-led education and research since its establishment in 2002. The organization serves as a gathering place for students pursuing degrees in Indigenous rights and social justice, tribal leadership and governance, and Indigenous education. Members are part of a legacy of scholars and faculty who have studied critical topics including U.S. Indian law, colonization and decolonization, and nation-building strategies designed to strengthen Native communities. The association provides peer support, networking, and collaborative opportunities for graduate students navigating advanced study while maintaining connection to their Indigenous identities and communities. Beyond academics, the American Indian Graduate Student Association in Tempe, Arizona connects members with practical experience through internships and partnerships with tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and community institutions. Students gain access to the Labriola National American Indian Data Center, an Indigenous-led library featuring archives and resources essential to community-centered research. The association embodies a commitment to grounded knowledge, traditional perspectives, and the collective goal of uplifting Native nations and creating more equitable societies through education, leadership development, and sustained community engagement.