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The Center was formed in 1947 as an outgrowth of Native people moving to urban Phoenix not only to sell their crafts and goods but as a result of U.S. Government public policy.
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The Center was founded by several individuals, under the leadership of Mr. Leon Grant, an Omaha Tribal member.
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Services were provided by volunteers in the early days.
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The Federal Government’s Indian Relocation Act (PL 959) created a mass migration of American Indians from rural, reservation settings to large scale cities across the United States during the 1950-1960s.
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The Act was an attempt to assimilate American Indians into the prevailing non-Indian city life culture and remove their practice of Native culture and traditions through the break-up of reservation systems.
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These Centers were crucial in providing a place for American Indians to connect and socialize with other Indians and to receive various necessary services as they were removed to live city-life.
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From the success of the first and second buildings, they created a third one to help spread out help.
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Over the years, we estimate that the Center has assisted nearly every urban American Indian residing in metropolitan Phoenix, either directly or indirectly.
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The Center gladly collaborates with other Indian and non-Indian agencies to improve the lifestyle of urban American Indians – the Phoenix community honors these relationships.
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The Center serves well over 7,000 individuals annually through direct services; related outreach touches the lives of more than 20,000 each year.
