Native American Professionals 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.