About ITCA

Mission Statement

…To provide its member tribes with a united voice and the means for united action on matters that affect them collectively or individually…

Background Information

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona was established in 1952 to provide a united voice for tribal governments located in the State of Arizona to address common issues of concerns. On July 9, 1975, the council established a private, non-profit corporation, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.(ITCA), under the laws of the State of Arizona to promote Indian self-reliance through public policy development. ITCA provides an independent capacity to obtain, analyze and disseminate information vital to Indian community self-development.

The members of ITCA are the highest elected tribal officials: tribal chairpersons, presidents and governors. These representatives are in the best position to have a comprehensive view of the conditions and needs of the Indian communities they represent. As a group, the tribal leaders represent governments that have a shared historical experience. Consequently, the tribes have a common governmental status as well as similar relationships with federal and state governments. ITCA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of: Presidents, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. The work of ITCA staff and consultants is carried out under the direction and supervision of Maria Dadgar, Executive Director.

ITCA operates more than 30 projects and employs a staff of 70 to provide on-going technical assistance and training to tribal governments in program planning and development, research and data collection, resource development, management and evaluation. In addition, the staff of ITCA organizes and conducts seminars, workshops, conferences and public hearings to facilitate participation of tribal leaders in the formulation of public policy at all levels. The goal of ITCA and its commitment to the member tribes is to ensure the self-determination of Indian tribal governments through their participation in the development of the policies and programs which affect their lives.