Building an Environmentally and Socially Just Future Through Partnerships

The Haury Program works with key partners at the UA and across the State of Arizona to advance Indigenous Resilience, support tribal self-determination and sovereignty and uplift Native American voices. The Haury Program also serves as a communications hub, and fosters relationships with other philanthropic partners engaged in the work at the UA and indigenous communities. 

 

 

Mrs. Haury believed strongly in partnerships by which universities work with community programs and resources to achieve shared goals.

True to that vision, the Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice, Early Program Investments focused on the university - community partnerships to encourage innovation in research, education and solution implementations that address and give voice to populations most vulnerable to environmental and social justice challenges.

With the COVID 19 pandemic that accelerated issues related to access to water, food and energy especially in indigenous communities in Arizona, and thus further exposed environmental and social injustice issues, the Haury Program pivoted and started focusing on advancing Indigenous Resilience. We were further moved to continue examination of power and privilege, not just within the Haury Program but also in all we do with our partners at the University of Arizona and beyond. We renewed our commitment to  modeling philanthropy that uplifts Native American causes, students, scholars, staff and communities, seeks authentic Native American engagement, and overall moves the needle toward a more inclusive and deliberate philanthropic culture and ultimately, a more inclusive, diverse, equitable and just society.

Some of our recent partnership projects include:

Navajo safe water

Navajo Water Access Coordination Group (WACG)

Please learn more about the Navajo Safe Water Project here and watch this video.

AIESES Conference

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. Haury Program is one of the sponsors of their annual conference (see a story from 2022 conference here and a story from 2023 conference here) and is also partnering to bring the regional AISES conference to UArizona in the spring of 2024.

Dr Crystal

Changing Philanthropy

The Haury Program is focused on developing trust-based and relationship-funding. We go beyond just providing funding, and also offer connecting, technical assistance, and capacity building. We particularly look at new, responsible ways of working with Native American tribes and people. For example, the Haury team and partners published an article Respectful Tribal Partnership: What Philanthropy Can Learn From the Navajo Nation's Collaborative Response to COVID-19 Crisis, Foundation Review, 2022. For a brief overview of the article please view this video.

Nancy and Torran at legislative day

Arizona Indian Nations And Tribes Legislative Day

Haury Program presents our work as well as the work of other University of Arizona programs, including Indigenous Resilience Center (Ires) annually at the Arizona Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day in order to raise awareness and make further fruitful connections. This event is organized by the Governor's Office on Tribal Relations, in cooperation with representatives from the state's Tribal Nations, and is held on Wednesday of the first week of each regular legislative session.

full senate approval

Serving as Experts in Legislative Processes to Help Native Students

In 2022, the Haury team brought our expertise to testify in the legislative process of passing of SENATE BILL 1470 on The Code Writers Initiative Program, established within the Department of Education - Office of Indian Education. This grant program allows for delivering a technology-focused education to Native American students, including instructions in computer code writing, and work with industry partners to develop internships and programs that will be made available to Native American students.The Haury team testified in front of the AZ Senate and the House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of projects like Native Coding for Native American students. Based on our vast experience, our team also helped with the language of the bill.

Healthy Tribal Community Wheel

Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community Wheel

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., and Vitalyst Health Foundation convened sessions with Tribes to develop the “Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community Wheel.” They were held on July 9-10, 2019, October 15, 2019 and January 14, 2020. he wheel is a tool that can guide
the development of policies and funding sources whether generated by federal, state and tribal governments and agencies involved in providing health care services to American Indian/Alaska Native peoples.The Haury team was honored to be a part of this process as well as help connect and promote.

To read about the wheel and learn all about this initiative view/download the full pdf here. To hear a podcast highlighting the development of this wheel click here

Save the Date - Tribal Sovereignty Forum

2023 "Tribal Leaders Sovereignty Forum: Navigating Recent Supreme Court Decisions"

Wassaja convening

2023 Convening of UArizona tribal health programs

In cooperation with the Wassaja Center.

Our partners include: