Native American Businesses & Organizations in Tempe, AZ

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.

The Iota Chapter of Alpha Pi Omega at Arizona State University in Tempe represents a vital community of Native American women committed to preserving Indigenous traditions while advancing academic and professional success. As part of the country's first historically American Indian sorority, established by the Four Winds in 1994, the Iota Chapter carries forward a legacy of sisterhood grounded in tribal heritage and cultural celebration. Members represent diverse tribal nations, creating a united circle of Indigenous women who support one another through the college experience and beyond. Founded on the principle "My Sister As Myself," Alpha Pi Omega's Iota Chapter in Tempe, Arizona embodies a deep commitment to mutual support and collective empowerment. The sorority's mission centers on creating a strong sisterhood that serves as a foundation for personal growth, balanced living, and community service. Each member strives for continuous self-renewal through education while honoring the spiritual and cultural traditions of Native peoples. The organization actively addresses critical issues affecting Native communities, ensuring that sisters remain engaged with their tribes and broader Indigenous causes. The Iota Chapter cultivates meaningful relationships among Native college women at ASU, fostering an environment where members can celebrate their heritage, develop leadership skills, and contribute to their communities. Sisters benefit from connections with a national network spanning over 900 women across multiple universities and geographic regions. Through shared ceremonies, cultural practices, and community initiatives, the chapter strengthens bonds of sisterhood while honoring the vision of its founders and the countless women who have carried this important work forward since 1994.

Alliance of Indigenous Peoples represents a student-centered community at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, dedicated to supporting indigenous students throughout their academic careers. As a recognized student organization within the university's Educational Outreach and Student Services department, the Alliance embodies ASU's core value of creating an inclusive campus environment where all Sun Devils can thrive. The organization recognizes that indigenous students bring distinct cultural perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the university community. Based in Tempe, Arizona, the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples operates with the understanding that supporting indigenous student success requires intentional community building and culturally responsive programming. The organization serves as a bridge between indigenous students and the broader ASU community, fostering connections that enhance both academic achievement and personal development. By creating spaces for indigenous students to gather, share experiences, and support one another, the Alliance strengthens the social fabric of student life at ASU. The organization's presence in Tempe reflects ASU's broader commitment to responsive, student-centered services that honor the identities and backgrounds of all learners. Through participation in clubs, activities, and student life initiatives, members of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples contribute to the transformation of higher education by bringing authentic indigenous perspectives to campus conversations and initiatives. This student organization exemplifies how universities can actively work to support and empower indigenous communities within their institutional structures.

Based in Tempe, Arizona, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at Arizona State University represents a vital community for Indigenous students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a student-led organization, AISES embodies a mission to support and empower American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and First Nations peoples in their academic journeys and professional aspirations. The heart of AISES at ASU lies in its commitment to fostering a strong, inclusive community where cultural identity and academic excellence go hand in hand. Members represent hundreds of tribal nations and benefit from the organization's emphasis on lifelong learning, personal growth, and cultural empowerment. The chapter values connection and belonging, creating spaces where Indigenous students can find mentorship, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate their heritage while advancing their STEM education. As part of a national movement, AISES at ASU connects students to a broader family of Indigenous professionals, scholars, and leaders. The organization draws strength from partnerships with academic institutions, corporate leaders, government agencies, and tribal decision-makers who recognize the importance of Indigenous representation in STEM. This network provides members with access to opportunities, resources, and role models who understand the unique experiences and perspectives of Indigenous students in technical fields. The ASU chapter has demonstrated significant growth and impact, with members achieving recognition through research presentations, regional leadership roles, and strengthened collaborations across the AISES network. AISES at ASU remains dedicated to supporting Indigenous students not just in their technical development, but in their journey toward becoming leaders who bring diverse perspectives and cultural wisdom to the STEM fields and their communities.

Rooted in a legacy spanning five decades, the National Native American Bar Association based in Tempe, Arizona, stands as a unique professional organization where legal practice intersects with tribal citizenship and community responsibility. Unlike traditional bar associations focused solely on diversity goals, NNABA's members carry the distinctive dual identity of being both U.S. citizens and citizens of their respective Tribal nations—a distinction that shapes their professional mission and community obligations. Established in 1973 as the American Indian Lawyers Association, the organization underwent several transformations before adopting its current name in 1980, reflecting the inclusive scope of its representation. Today, NNABA encompasses American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, recognizing the diverse indigenous populations whose legal interests require specialized advocacy and understanding. The organization's chapter system creates a democratic structure where state-level Indian bar associations maintain equal voice in organizational governance, ensuring that the needs of Native American legal professionals across every region of the country are represented. What distinguishes NNABA is the communal responsibility its members share—either directly or indirectly—for protecting the governmental sovereignty of over 560 independent Native American Tribal governments. The Tempe, AZ-based association understands that its lawyers do more than practice law; they safeguard the rights, autonomy, and self-determination of their tribal nations. This profound commitment to both professional excellence and tribal sovereignty defines the organization's identity and mission.