Everywhere around the world, Indigenous people are subjected to maltreatment in their own land. Many Indigenous communities have no access to education or health services. Thankfully, there are still people who strive to better the lives of Indigenous people through the Global Initiative Indigenous Advancement, Inc. (GIIA).
The Global Initiative Indigenous Advancement, Inc. (GIIA) is an NGO created in 2000. It was created with the mission of advancing the social, health, education, and economic status of Indigenous people worldwide. With these in mind, the GIIA aims to serve Indigenous communities around the world by addressing the root causes of the plight of Native people everywhere.
The GIIA hopes to empower Indigenous people by giving them access to proper health care, business training, educational workshops, college funding, networking capabilities, and many other helpful tools. By putting these services up in their communities, the GIIA hopes to give more opportunities for Native people to succeed and enhance their quality of life.
The Global Initiative Indigenous Advancement, Inc. is a holistic organization that recognizes the needs of the Indigenous community and seeks to help in any way they can. The cause is very close to the chief of GIIA, Daniel StrongWalker Thomas.
Daniel StrongWalker is the traditional chief of the Leni Lenape people, known as the Delaware Nation (Anadarko, Oklahoma). He is also a descendant of the Oneida people (Green Bay, Wisconsin). Daniel serves as the president of the board of directors and serves as the chief servant leader of the Global Initiative of Indigenous Advancement.
Daniel has a background in economic and business development. Daniel attended Salem State University, where he was awarded the Charlotte Forten Distinguished Scholar award, was a member of the honors society and was appointed to the Trustees of Salem State College. Daniel’s passions are his family, his people, and creating opportunities for Indigenous People worldwide, which reflects his work with the GIIA.
Under Daniel StrongWalker, the GIIA has served the Native American community. And since 2020 marks 400 years since the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts and took over native land, the GIIA strives even more to serve Indigenous communities.
After all, the team at GIIA is doing it for the people. The most important part of the initiative is the people they help. Ultimately, they aim to band together and create a vast network of people, experience, and resources. And by doing this, the initiative’s goal to support and advance Indigenous can transform from a dream to a reality.
If you want to believe in this cause and want to help, you can donate or sign up to join and become an ally. These two things are the most impactful things you can do to help the initiative achieve its mission. You can become a member here and donate here.
As a result of those who have helped the cause, the GIIA has launched several initiatives relating to the four pillars of their mission (social, health, education, and economic advancements). You can read more about these initiatives through the GIIA website.
