Background

The Office of American Indian Projects (OAIP) was founded in 1977, based on the advocacy of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, the Indian Health Services, the Navajo Nation, the Phoenix Indian Center, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.  The purpose of OAIP is to develop the capacity of American Indian communities and programs.  The vision of the project is to develop strengths in both individuals and systems within the social work arenas of American Indian communities, in conjunction with the emerging federal mandate for tribes to assume responsibility for the delivery of social services to American Indian people.

Mission Statement 

The mission of OAIP includes the development of a site where American Indian research and grant projects can be coordinated and monitored to ensure a focus that is beneficial to the tribes and one that reinforces a government-to-government approach. The mission also includes recruiting American Indian social work students and faculty, mentoring students, and providing American Indian people with a friendly reception within Arizona State University.

OAIP Staff

Edwin González-Santin, M.S.W.
Director, OAIP
Senior Academic Professional, School of Social Work
602-496-0101
Email: egspr@asu.edu

Michael Niles, M.S.W, Ph.D.
Co-Director, OAIP
Faculty Associate, School of Social Work
602-496-0102
Email: Michael.Niles@asu.edu

Tim Perry, M.S.W.
Associate Director, OAIP
602-496-0098
Email: Timothy.Perry@asu.edu

Shannon Pete, B.A.
Secretary Administrative, OAIP
602-496-0099
Email: Shannon.Pete@asu.edu

Advisory Committee:

Janice Patch
Colorado River Indian Tribe

Pamela Powell
N.A.U.

Lucinda Wasseta
NASW, North-Navajo/Hopi

Wendy Wisdom
Indian Health Services

Diana Yazzie Divine
Native American Connections

Deborah Yellowjohn
American Indian Voter Network