AIHFS is planning a brand-new event in 2022. On October 6th we will have a Gala celebration featuring a Fireside Chat with Edgar Villanueva, award-winning author of Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance. Villanueva is an activist, and expert on issues of race, wealth, and philanthropy, who will discuss how to make philanthropy equitable for all. The Fireside Chat will be moderated by Abigail Echo-Hawk, Executive Vice President at Seattle Indian Health Board and the Director of Urban Indian Health Institute.

The 2022 Charity Gala will help raise much needed funds to support our ability to expand our services to the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population and other underserved individuals in Southeastern Michigan. Today, 7 out of every 10 American Indians live in urban areas, yet remain an invisible and significantly underserved population who share similar disparities of other communities of color. We serve over 2,000 Urban Indians, enrolled tribal members from over 60 different tribes, and other underserved individuals each year. We aim to serve all of the 55,000 Urban Native Americans and other underserved individuals who reside in Detroit and southeast Michigan. We provide services to all people in need, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, gender, race, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

A silent auction will take place at the event, which will be held at The Roostertail in Detroit, and will have 175 attendees. More information about the event tickets and sponsors will be available on our agency website (aihfs.org/charity-gala/) in the coming weeks. We are currently looking for event sponsors and silent auction item donations, and event tickets will be sold beginning in August.

HOUR Detroit is the Official Media Sponsor for the event.