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November 6, 2013
La Donna Harris Speaks to Peruvian Leaders on Energy and AIO

Lima, Peru – LaDonna Harris, founder for Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), attended the Tendiendo Puentes (Building Bridges) Conference that took place on September 24 and 25, 2013. The conference was held at the University of Puira in Lima, Peru, attended by Peruvian Indigneous leaders, business executives and ministers of the Peruvian government. These conferences have been held annually since 2009 to discuss respectable resource development between Indigenous leaders and businesses.

Harris was invited by current AIO Ambassador Shuar Valesquez. She was accompanied by David Harrison, a long-time advisor to AIO; Dr. Veronica Tiller, historian and author; Annalise Romoser, AIO advisor and interpreter; and Linier Yapu Gutierrez, current AIO Ambassador.

Harris delivered the history of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes and her role in changing the way tribal government and energy corporations interact. She received a standing ovation from the attendees. Indigenous leaders have used the conference as a platform to voice the needs of Indigenous communities, such as education, health care and technological advancement. Harris’ remarks on relationships, responsibility, reciprocity and redistribution and the mission of AIO were well received by the Amazonian perspective.

“It was a great experience. I applaud the dedication of the indigenous tribes for their dedication to finding new ways of interaction,” noted LaDonna Harris. She greatly appreciates the invite and hospitality she received. This year, AIO hosted its first international class of Ambassadors as part of their Ambassadors program that selects a cohort of individuals dedicated to enacting change in their communities. AIO strives to create a network of Indigenous leaders. Through several projects, like the Ambassadors Program, AIO carries the vision and mission of relationship, responsibility, reciprocity and redistribution and advances the many rights of Indigenous peoples of both the United States and globally.